DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATED RATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is an important government initiative designed to provide essential food commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, and cooking oil to economically disadvantaged groups classified under APL and BPL categories. Despite its importance, the traditional ration distribution approach relies heavily on manual processes, which often results in issues such as incorrect measurement, lack of transparency, unauthorized diversion of resources, and inefficient record keeping. These problems lead to delays, unfair distribution, and dissatisfaction among beneficiaries. To address these limitations, this project proposes an IoT-enabled Automated Ration Distribution System, referred to as the Ration Bot. The system integrates modern embedded technology with digital monitoring to ensure accurate and transparent ration delivery. The ESP32 microcontroller serves as the central processing unit, coordinating various hardware components including an RFID reader, load cell with HX711 amplifier, servo motor-operated butterfly valve, LCD display, and cloud connectivity platform. RFID-based identification confirms beneficiary authenticity and verifies their ration eligibility according to predefined categories. The load cell ensures precise weight measurement of grains, while the servo-driven dispensing mechanism controls the flow of materials from the hopper. Automation significantly reduces human interference and improves accuracy during distribution. The system also records transaction data on a cloud platform, enabling real-time monitoring by authorities and providing instant notifications to users regarding their ration details. By combining IoT communication, automated dispensing, and secure authentication, the proposed system enhances reliability, minimizes malpractice, and supports digital governance initiatives. The Ration Bot provides a modern solution that improves fairness, efficiency, and accountability in the Public Distribution System.