And the work seems to have started in the right earnest. In Chandigarh, the data collection process is underway. “The process started in November and till now names and details of around 75,000 people have been collected,” said an official of the Food and Supplies department. The total number of beneficiaries in Chandigarh is likely to be around 2 lakh.

Director, Public Relations, Vivek Attray said: “Grant of a card is not the issue. In fact, that is the easiest part. The main task is collecting data of the requisite details. The back-end has to be extremely strong and the data collection process very meticulous. Once implemented, this PDS could also be a part of our e-sampark, which already includes 21 automated pubic services.”

Through a smart card, the Union government aims to increase transparency and remove corruption from the much-maligned PDS. The Finance Minister spoke for the need of ensuring “adequate supplies and efficient delivery” of subsidised food.

“The ultimate test of technology is its ability to benefit the poorest of poor. Not only will it increase efficiency, this particular scheme will go a long way in making the downtrodden and economically weak the part of mainstream,” said Dr Pramod Kumar of the Institute of Development and Communication.

As compared to Chandigarh, the numbers in Haryana are much larger, where close to 53 lakh people will be issued these smart cards.