Server glitches stall ration supply in Hubballi-Dharwad

Hubballi: Severe server glitches delayed ration distribution across the Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities over the past week, forcing customers to wait for hours outside fair price shops from morning till evening.

The Centre decided to distribute rations for May and June together, instructing ration dealers to obtain biometric authentication from beneficiaries twice for the two months’ supply.

According to sources, uploading records for two months to the server at once has put heavy pressure on the system, causing frequent slowdowns. Most customers expressed frustration over the inconvenience of waiting in queues for hours in the sun. Around 65-70% of rations have been distributed in the district so far.

Sources said the simultaneous uploading of records for two months has strained the server, resulting in repeated disruptions. Customers complained of hardship due to long waiting hours. Nearly 65-70% of distribution has been completed in the district.

Mohan Ramdurg, a fair price shop owner, said, “Only one server is functioning in the state. Earlier, three servers were working and there were no problems. Now, with one server, issues are frequent. If the state govt’s Anna Bhagya supply is released earlier, there will be no problem,” he added.

Daily wage workers, elderly persons and pregnant women had to stand in queues outside ration shops on working days. Even if a shop opened at 8am, the server would begin functioning only around 11am, by which time 50-60 people would have gathered. Each beneficiary had to provide thumb impressions twice. Due to the slow server, only 20-25 cardholders received rations per day, a shop owner said.

Vinodkumar Heggalgi, joint director, food and civil supplies department, said biometrics were being collected for two months simultaneously. He admitted there was a brief delay a week ago due to server issues, but said the problem has been resolved. He added that 65-70% of rations have been distributed, and the remaining would be completed soon. All ration shops have been instructed to operate from 6am to 10pm daily.