The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Survey findings show slips in Public Distribution System

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Friday, May 30, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Survey findings show slips in Public Distribution System

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: A survey conducted in four Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike wards in Bangalore shows that while many among those eligible for Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards have been categorised as Above Poverty Line families, their numbers are likely to further shrink. What is worse, the mandatory vigilance mechanism of citizens is barely functioning in most wards.

Citing the example of ward number six in north zone, the survey says about 76 per cent of people may fall out of PDS if the Government strictly implements its survey report which identifies beneficiaries. The survey findings also indicate that most shops remain open only in the latter half of the month and record very little transaction in the first half. Vigilance committees are either non-existent or do not hold meetings regularly.

The survey also shows that the costs involved in running a ration shop is too high, making it unviable for the shop-owner, given the low commission given by the Government. Average expenses for running a shop are more than twice the profits earned, it says.

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