Streamlining PDS

Public Distribution System has key role in smooth and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities especially food grains, LPG, kerosene, sugar etc. to the general public. It has very elaborate system based on the simple principle that essential commodities should reach each and every person of the State notwithstanding where and in whatever conditions he lives. As such the services have to reach even a lonely household on top of mountain. The department has very widespread network and it works along established practices. Yet notwithstanding its efficient handling of the duty assigned to it, there are many loopholes that need to be plugged.
The Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC)-II of Legislative Council has recently met and reviewed the distribution status of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CA&PD), and issued some instructions that are aimed at streamlining the distribution process.
During past several months, there have been occasional complaints from consumers, especially by those living in remote villages and higher reaches of mountains not easily accessible, of shortage of rations, LPG and other essential commodities. Even some ration depots in towns, too, meet with temporary shortage that creates difficulty for consumers. There could be various reasons of shortage, man made or nature made. Apart from alleviating these complaints and grievances, the DRSC-II, in the course of its recent meeting, also suggested how distribution system can be improved and the CA&PD made more responsive. Evidently, as a precursor to various decisions and instructions that emanated from these deliberations, the Committee had to discuss and examine rules, regulations and the Act in respect of CA&PD. Therefore the instructions that ultimately flowed from the meeting have to have administrative and legislative sanction.
Instructions to the concerned authorities for ensuring ration supply to the consumers but especially to various backward classes like Nomads, Gujjars, Bakarwals and other groups in the category of backward classes carry significance in view of many complaints these groups have been ventilating through the media and public protests and demonstrations. As these groups are located mostly in remote rural areas in all the three regions of the State, the recommendations assume much significance. It is necessary to create storage facilities for essential goods because the main reason of disruption of normal supply is caused by natural climatic conditions and road blocks owing to heavy rains leading to landslides or snow-slides. The Committee has directed the CA&PD to ensure home delivery of LPG cylinders. Last year, after some changes were made in the rules for supply of LPG, home delivery system had met with disruption. Though, by and large, it has been rectified, yet there are still pockets in the two capital cities and towns where home delivery is not yet fully regulated. It is important that home delivery system is streamlined. The Committee has also reminded the Department of opening of new LPG Gas cylinder distribution agencies which were proposed to be done by the department.
Apart from some specificity, the Committee has very rightly taken an over all view of public distribution system as it prevails today and made pointed suggestions. It has stressed on the need for comprehensive   policy for Public Distribution System, besides lifting of PDS food grains from FCI and private agencies, present status of distribution and supply of subsidized LPG Cylinders. All these decisions directly affect the consumers and general public. As such while the people are assured that the Legislative Council cares for their concerns, they expect the government authorities to implement the recommendations without loss of time. Supply of rations and LPG etc. is a crucial matter and, as such, the Committee could have put time frame for implementation of its recommendations. Nevertheless, the implication is that there is urgency in regard to some of the decisions taken by the committee.

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