Online Storage Management (OSM) System

Central government is set to roll out a digital system called “Online Storage Management (OSM)” from April 1, 2022 in a bid to bring in operational efficiency in storage, movement and distribution of food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

Online Storage Management System

• The online storage management system would provide real time data on the volume and quality of rice and wheat stocks with Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other government agencies.
• It will provide information on food grains stocks, which are held in the godowns of FCI, Central Warehousing Corporation and state warehousing corporations.
• The system will track each stack of grain stocks, starting from procurement points to PDS distribution outlets.

Who is developing the system?

The OSM system is being developed by state governments in collaboration with the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD).

Significance of OSM system

• OSM system will prevent any possibility of manipulation between godowns and fair price shops, by transport contractors.
• It is expected to help route optimisation for distribution of grains.
• It will also help in reducing the cost of food grain storage by reducing leakages in the system.

Implementing states

16 states namely, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttarakhand have agreed to implement this system by March 15, 2022. Other states will come on board soon.