Gujarat EDN
DNA 01SEP2012
Public distribution system (PDS) is inefficient in state,
say experts at a meet
DNA Correspondent
Ann Suraksha Adhikaar’s (ASA) quarterly meet, which was held
at Behaviourial Science Centre (BSC), St Xavier’s College on Sunday to discuss
issue of malnutrition among children and young women, saw presence of NGO
workers and leaders of self-help groups. It was lamented at the meet that poor
do not get their share of food grains and other essentials, which is their
right under various government schemes.
Inefficiency of Public Distribution System (PDS) was held
responsible for the condition. Sharifa Chhipa from Nisva said she had to go to
the concerned officer every month to ensure that poor and destitute women, who
have received food coupons under Annbrahma scheme, get their share of the food
grains. “Yet many times, officials say they don’t have requisite food grains
and turn the women away,” said Chhipa. She also talked of discrimination on
basis of caste and religion.
Nanjibhai from Banaskantha alleged that PDS officials
ensured that food grains do not reach BPL (Below Poverty Line) cardholders.
“Many cardholders do not get their share because either shopkeepers or
concerned officials feign that they haven’t received the requisite quantity,”
said Nanjibhai.
With Centre mulling a food security bill, it is time the
state implemented something on similar lines to ensure food for all, believes
Neeta Hardikar of ASA. The quarterly meeting was attended by representatives of
groups working in the poorest blocks of Banaskantha, Dahod and Panchmahals.
Convenor of the meet, Sunita Thakkar said, “It’s sad that Centre decides what
and how much we eat. What we need is a decentralised system that takes into
account local realities and comes up with local solutions.”
