Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 17 August launched a new e-PoS-based commission system for fair price shop dealers in Lucknow, raising their commission from ₹90 to ₹125 per quintal — a move the government says rewards transparency gains in the state's revamped ration distribution network. The event also marked the rollout of an e-PoS-based feedback system to channel dealer grievances directly into the administrative apparatus.

What the New System Changes

The commission hike is embedded in a broader overhaul of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Uttar Pradesh. The state has, since 2017, deployed e-PoS machines at fair price shops, introduced single-stage door-step delivery, and shifted ration transport directly from Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouses to retail outlets — eliminating multiple layers of middlemen.

The newly launched feedback system allows fair price shop dealers to flag issues and submit suggestions that are then integrated into district-level administration, giving dealers a formal channel they previously lacked.

What CM Yogi Said

Addressing the launch event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, 'The installation of e-PoS machines began in 2017 to transform the state's system and alter public perception regarding these dealers. Subsequently, a system was implemented to transport rations directly from FCI warehouses to the ration shops, thereby eliminating the role of middlemen.'

He argued that under the earlier arrangement, dealers were held publicly responsible for supply failures that originated at the government level. 'Despite this, they were the ones who faced verbal abuse and disrepute for errors committed by others. At that time, fair price shop dealers faced a crisis regarding their identity and dignity,' he said.

Taking aim at earlier administrations, Yogi added, 'Those who failed to bring about such changes during their own tenures are now attempting to cast the visible transformation in the state in a negative light.'

Annapurna Bhavans and Broader Welfare Push

Chief Minister Yogi also announced that fair price shops across the state are being upgraded into 'Annapurna Bhavans' under the directives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state government has earmarked ₹500 crore for this initiative, which will add developed storage facilities alongside ration distribution infrastructure.

Yogi noted that approximately 15 crore people in Uttar Pradesh are currently receiving free rations under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). He added that two crore families have received free LPG connections and 1.53 crore families free electricity connections under state schemes.

Education Sector Cited as Parallel Reform

The Chief Minister also drew a parallel with the Basic Education Council, which he said suffered from poor infrastructure and low enrolment prior to 2017. He cited 'Operation Kayakalp' as the intervention that provided council schools with improved flooring, separate toilets for boys and girls, and furniture. He stated that approximately 1.60 crore children are now receiving school bags, uniforms, sweaters, and other essentials through government programmes.

'Real change becomes evident only when the government introduces transparency into the system and ensures that the poor, farmers, women, and marginalised sections receive the direct benefits of welfare schemes,' Yogi said, asserting that technology and accountability have made direct delivery possible. With the e-PoS feedback system now live, the administration's next test will be whether dealer inputs translate into measurable service improvements on the ground.