2 minute read 22 May 2020
Food security for the underprivileged during the COVID-19

How technology helped ensure food security during the COVID crisis

EY India
By EY India

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

2 minute read 22 May 2020
Related topics COVID-19 Government and Public Sector
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Our Government & Public Sector team leveraged technology for stock visibility and planning of supplies for essential commodities across three states during the lockdown.

On 25 March 2020, the central government imposed an all-India lockdown as a measure to combat spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. With economic activities coming to a halt, the government also announced a series of measures to provide timely and free ration for three months to migrant laborers, daily wage earners and the unemployed.

The situation demanded swift action and timely implementation of these measures. Soon after the first lockdown was announced, EY collaborated with relevant government departments in the states of Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to ensure delivery of ration to such eligible beneficiaries.

We have been at the forefront of supporting state governments and local administrations in the fight against COVID-19.
Gaurav Taneja
EY India Government and Public Sector Leader and AIM Advisory Government and Public Sector Leader.

Our teams were closely involved in safeguarding stock distribution and in making the food grains available at each godown. They were also fulfilling customized software changes to the distribution network, so that the front-end delivery systems can recognize the new beneficiaries for essential commodities at fair price shops.

We leveraged technology effectively for stock visibility and planning of supplies for essential commodities to ensure the smooth delivery of ration across the public distribution system, within a span of two to three days. This association with the state governments has helped supply food grains to over 320 million people since 1 April 2020.

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This project was a great opportunity for EY to be an enabler in ensuring food security for all. This is our small contribution towards building a better working world for the society.
Honnur Muralidhara
Partner, Government and Public Sector, EY India

We also communicated the changed ration quantity per beneficiary to the fair price shop agents and trained them to make sure the shop premises were sanitized.

Key highlights from each state:

  • In Gujarat, our team managed the supply chain for essential food items such as wheat, rice, pulses and salt, for 58.6 million beneficiaries across the state, coordinating with over 250 warehouse locations and 20,000 fair price shops.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, our team worked towards including additional temporary beneficiaries in the state database to ensure that the front-end delivery systems at 80,200 fair price shops recognize the new beneficiaries for smooth delivery of ration. Total beneficiaries in the state are at 143.2 million.
  • In Bihar, our team ensured the completion of ongoing delivery to people through 40,700 fair price shops and immediately commenced planning for the next cycle. Total beneficiaries in the state stood at 80 million.

Summary

Rapid implementation, agility and successful use of technical knowhow complemented the proactive governance model, positively impacting the lives of millions.

About this article

EY India
By EY India

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

Related topics COVID-19 Government and Public Sector
Upvote