The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Members expose lacunae in PDS

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 23, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Other States

Other States - Orissa

Members expose lacunae in PDS

Special Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR: Legislators, cutting across party lines, on Friday expressed serious concern over the poor functioning of the public distribution system in the State.

Taking part in the discussion on an adjournment motion on the PDS functioning in the State Assembly, several members of the Opposition Congress came down heavily on the government for its failure to streamline the system, despite making tall claims in this regard time and again.

They alleged that rice meant for the public distribution system was being recycled and sold to the Food Corporation of India in connivance with the officials of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department.

The kerosene meant for PDS was also finding its way to the black market, they alleged.

The PDS kerosene was also being mixed with diesel and petrol by the petrol pump owners and a large number of people were using as fuel for running passenger buses and trucks, said a ruling party legislator.

The legislators also criticised the government for its failure to check irregularities that were being committed by the wholesalers, sub-wholesalers and dealers associated with the PDS.

In his reply, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Manmohan Samal admitted that all was not well with the system.

But a series of measure were being taken to improve the functioning of the PDS, he said.

Mr. Samal informed the Assembly that the government was planning to bring a new rule to never renew the licence of any dealer who was found committing irregularities.

Stringent steps were also being contemplated to check black marketing of PDS kerosene, he added.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States