TV
From the start of the new year, public distribution system (PDS) beneficiaries will no longer face the burden of collecting three months' rice in one go. Instead, they will receive the rice every month, said Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Saturday.
Minister Patra explained that this decision aims to mitigate the misuse of rice that arose from stockpiling large quantities of it. Some were even selling some of the rice to meet family expenses.
Previously, dealers were responsible for storing up to three months of supplies, which sometimes led to mismanagement or exploitative practices. Beneficiaries also reported difficulties in transporting and storing such substantial allotments.
Also Read: Lack of road forces Odisha’s Kandhamal villagers to trek hilly terrains to get PDS rice
The adjustment aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing accessibility and accountability within the public distribution framework. By distributing essential provisions monthly, the scheme is intended to be more user-friendly while maintaining precise control over stock.
Minister Patra's assurance reflects a focused effort by the government to streamline the system and ensure more reliable access to basic necessities for eligible beneficiaries.
“The beneficiaries are facing problems in taking three months’ PDS rice to home. With the introduction of the new system, they won’t face any problems. This apart, they can’t misuse the ration either. In the case of receiving three months’ rice in one go, they were selling some of it to meet some family expenses including medical expenses. The government has taken a decision that PDS rice will be given every month,” he said.
