Current Context : The Centre has launched a pilot project to transform 60 ration shops in 4 States as “Jan Poshan Kendras” or public nutrition centres to increase their viability and improve public access to nutritional food.

• The pilot will cover states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

FPSs are shops licensed to distribute essential commodities issued under the Essential Commodities Act (1955) to the ration card holders under Targeted Public Distribution System.

ABOUT JAN POSHAN KENDRAS

• These are community-based nutrition centers
• Established under India’s Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission).
• It will offer a diverse range of nutrition-rich food items to consumer as well as provide an additional source of income to the FPS dealers.
• They have to store 50% products under the category of nutrition while the rest for keeping other household items.
• Aim to provide comprehensive nutritional support and health services at the grassroots level.