Himachal State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department on Sunday said it has taken several initiatives to provide quality essential items at subsidised rates to over 70 lakh consumers of Himachal Pradesh.

In a statement, the department said  the State Government has launched a Mobile App to facilitate Ration Card holders of the State and this is a big help to the consumers.

The consumers can download this App on their android mobile phone by searching ePDSHP from play store and download the same. After downloading the App the consumer will have to enter/scan their Mobile and Aadhar Number. The Mobile app will display the Ration Card provided any Ration Card is linked with the particular Aadhar Number. This Ration Card will function as digital ration card. Facility of Entitlement Calculator is also being provided which contains information regarding detail of ration to be provided to the consumer during that particular month and also about its rates.

The consumer can also give his feedback to the Department regarding functioning of fair price shop through this App. The consumers can also register complaint regarding functioning of Department through this App. In addition, telephone numbers of Officers and Officials of the Department are also available on this App. The App also contains a Mobile logo which on a single touch would automatically make call on Toll Free Number 1967 of the Department.

Similarly, a Toll Free Number 1967 has been launched for the convenience of the consumers. The consumers through this Toll Free Number can make any complaints regarding quality of essential commodities being provided through fair price shops. In addition, information regarding availability of Ration can also be sought through this Toll Free Number. Consumers can also make correction in names on rations card through this number.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Minister said that the Department has developed its websitewww.hpwn.hp.gov.in for registration and notification made by Weight and Measures Organization of the Department, in order to benefit the businessmen.

Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Madan Chauhan also disclose that the Toll Free Number was proving beneficial for the consumers. He said that the Department has received 856 calls through this number.