The Public Distribution System in India.

                                                
                                                       Well,  the Public Distribution System as we know are the fair prices shops located all over India that give essential goods to the consumers (especially to the BPL population)  at a cheap price. But the number of these PDS shops have grown over the years subsequently its development cannot be seen. Lets see some of its facts:

                                                         Though the number of the PDS shops have crossed 5,00,000 since its inception but still no improvement in its facilities. The PDS stock comes from the reserved stock of the Government of India, but that stock is so much piled up that it is getting spiders and rodents. This defect is mainly due to the less outtake from the PDS shops and its maldistribution and wrong storage methods due to the unskilled workers. The PDS stock sometimes doesn't reach to the shops because if the food corruption. The distributers sometimes take their share while delivering it and take so much that nothing is left behin.., the poor are told that the stock hasn't arrived yet and he has to pay a high price of his hunger.

                                                       A study carried out by the committe appointed by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India following results were got:




The rotting food stocks of PDS in Govt. godowns

 

After touring various states and scrutinising the operation of PDS system through fair price shops, the committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice D P Wadhwa used following terminology for different states:

* PDS in the state has collapsed (Rajasthan)

* PDS system is glaring example of what the system ought not to be (Jharkhand)

* beneficiaries get ration of a month after a delay of 3-4 months (Bihar)

* fair price shop owners admitted they bribe officials concerned even to get FPS licence and pay monthly bribe (Gujarat)

* appointment of grain storage agents susceptible to high political influence (Orissa)

* enforcement lax, collusion between officials, investigating agencies, dealers, wholesalers and other vested interests (Karnataka)

* foodgrain sold at excessive prices at the fair price shops (Uttarakhand)

But the most damning comments were reserved for Delhi, the national capital. Apart from terming the PDS as inefficient and corrupt, the committee said in its report to the apex court that "there is largescale diversion and black marketing of PDS foodgrain".

                                                    You will be surprised to know that the corruption in the PDS system is Rs 3,58,00,00,000 per year(358 crore/year) isn't that a whooping amount ! The shop owners often ask for a bribe to the poor (about 61% people admit that), the bribe taken is mostly shared by the owner and the distributer. The shop owners often keep odd timing of the shops so as to limit its access to the people. In most of the cases it was found that shop owners keep shops open a the dawn and close it suddenly. Artificial hoarding of the goods is one of the most important factor contributing to the hunger of the poor. For more details in a good view format please visit : PDS Survey . The PDS stocks sometimes doesn't reach the villages due to their poor transport system. The poor are often mispriced by the shop owners.

                                                    Can you believe that this is the condition of the place from where the poor in India tries to fulfill his daily needs. Can you now see the injustice on your brothers and the sisters ? Have you any answer to this ? The answer is surely "no". But we may change it as I always say "Together we can make a difference." If you come across any injustics from the PDS on the poor feel free to phone call at: 6573 4444. JAI HIND!

                                             

The Public Distribution System in India.