Citation :

Durva Kadam, Shruti Kadam, Riya Indap, Sachi Jadhav, Mrinmoyee Mukherjee, Dhanshri Lamane, "DISPENZO: A Smart and Transparent IoT-Driven Ration Distribution Framework," International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, vol. 13, no. 7, pp. 241-256, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V13I7P117

Abstract

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is the fundamental system through which basic essential items such as food grains, kerosene and oil are distributed to the beneficiaries through fair price shops in India. Research gap-However, such a system has limitations in the form of poor measurement methodologies, manual entries, lack of transaction transparency. This imparts scope for corruption and mis-use of commodities. Existing technologically driven applications address one aspect or the other, such as user identification or partial automation, without integrating secure authentication, automated dispensing and continuous monitoring at a single platform, leaving a void in the fully automated digital ration distribution system. Proposed work-To mitigate these shortcomings, the current proposed system, DISPENZO: Smart Ration Distribution System, is developed. It is an IOT-based automated system for safe authentication with regulated ration distribution. The system is developed in order to reduce manual intervention, increase transparency of ration distribution and enable the digital monitoring of inventory and transactions. It also incorporates the environment sensing for commodity preservation and monitoring of the quality of stored goods for making them eco-friendly. Methodology-The main controlling unit is the ESP32 microcontroller, which is connected with various modules such as the MFRC522 RFID reader (RC522) for card-based authentication, R307S fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. Grain measurements are precise with the use of a load cell integrated with the HX711 amplifier module, whereas stock levels are determined using the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor. Environmental parameters are sensed using the DS18B20 temperature sensor and the LM393 3.3V-5V Soil moisture sensor module. The grain dispensation is carried out using the MG995-180-degree rotational servo motor (PWM-Controlled) and DC 3-6 V mini micro submersible water pump via a 2 Channel relay module powered by a 3.7 V Lithium-ion battery. Outcome- The implemented system successfully helped to assist accurate distribution of ration stock, keep a check on storage status of food commodities and also helps to keep track of transaction details by use of Firebase and Blynk platform. The prototype, which is developed here, confirms that the integration of authentication, automation and remote monitoring into a single system is achievable.

Keywords

Automated ration distribution, Cloud Monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT), Public Distribution System, Sensor-Assisted Dispensing, Smart authentication.

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