Odisha to replace PDS dealers with direct supply centres!

Odisha government is likely to overhaul the Public Distribution System (PDS) by establishing Pradhan Mantri Poshan Kendras across all panchayats, sources said on Monday.

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Mohan Majhi government intends to eliminate the existing dealer system, aiming to curb fraudulent practices that include withdrawing the ration supplies in the names of deceased beneficiaries.

Under the ‘to-be-launched initiative’, which will be piloted with 35 centres in its first phase, the government seeks to reduce intermediaries by facilitating the direct distribution of ration supplies such as rice, wheat flour, pulses, salt, sugar, and kerosene. Some items may be dispensed free of charge, offering potential savings to beneficiaries.

Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said that each centre will have the personnel to assist the beneficiaries in collecting their allotted supplies. The government has recently cancelled around 4,00,000 ration cards deemed ineligible upon discovering apparent misappropriation of supplies under the dealer system, which has frequently been criticised for such irregularities.

While many beneficiaries welcome the initiative, over 12,000 dealers across the State have expressed concerns about possible job loss.

They have urged the Government to consider employment opportunities for them at the new centres, but no official decision has been made regarding their future roles.

With similar systems in place in other Indian states, all eyes are on the government to see how effectively these changes are implemented in Odisha.

Details of the revamp plan

“We are planning to provide PDS ration items to beneficiaries at subsidised rates through Poshan Kendras and separate cards will be given to them. At least 35 pilot centres have been chalked out for the purpose. The project will begin soon and we will assess how people are being benefited by that,” the Food Supplies Minister stated.

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“A revamping is on the anvil and the ration items will be provided through Poshan Kendras,” Minister Patra added.