Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited, popularly known as Aavin, has announced the online renewal of milk cards and registration for smart cards for all living in Chennai starting February 2013, The Hindu had reported, citing a press release. Producing 145.88 lakh litres in a day in the state of Tamil Nadu, Aavin had launched this service only in Anna Nagar area in Chennai, in December 2012, but now this has been extended to all living in Chennai. So far over 2500 people have applied online from across the city and 2000 cards are in the process of being issued, as per the report. Why launch smartcards, and an online service? Smart card number is a unique identification number assigned to each customer. Milk is sold to monthly prepaid milk card holders at a price lower than MRP. Previously, when an unique number was not assigned to consumers, anybody who got hold of the monthly prepaid milk card could buy milk at a lower price. To avoid this misuse, a unique identification number is generated for every consumer and given to them as a smart card. So far consumers have been renewing their milk cards on a scheduled date at an Aavin booth closest to them or at the zonal offices where cards can be renewed from 1 to 13th of every month. Aavin has launched this service after complaints from senior citizens who had to travel to the zonal offices every month for their card renewal. Hence Aavin officials say that…
