PDS replacement idea evokes Criticism

The very proposal of a better alternative for Public Distribution System (PDS) in Telangana state by the officers of related departments is facing severe opposition.At the behest of CM, the concernered higher officials planned for the abolition of PDS altogether to prevent misuse of it.They want to provide money directly to ration card holders' bank accounts under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model.

This has not only irked the ration shop dealers but also other political parties took it harshly.There are more than 40,000 families depending on these shops.They are struggling with incomes and are worried that their incomes are as meagre as Rs 3000 per month.They have already chalked out 'Ration Bandh' programme of protest.They want to go ahead with that proposal.The idea of government to take away their livelihood on some pretext or other is not justified, they are saying. They want to meet on 27 OCT and discuss this matter at length to arrive at some decision.

The ration dealers want the proposal to be taken back.If the CM is not taking humanitarian stance regarding their problems, they want to intensify their agitation.The programme of rice and kerosene 'no sales' on November 1 is aimed to have a uniform system for ration dealers nationwide.At present commission rates change from state to state.The commodities for sale at Fair price Shops are also differing.

The shop dealers are also demanding for honourarium varying between Rs 35000 and Rs 50000 at the village level to GHMC level and in between towns in Mandals and Municipalities.Huge rents for the shop and meagre Rs 70 commission per quintal is no way sufficient they lament.

Congress party came heavily with criticism over this proposal.It is a system favourable for poor, serving rice, Kerosene, sugar, wheat, edible oil etc.Congress Legislative leader Shabbir Ali termed it regressive step.He favoured ration shops taking shape as mini supermarkets, selling more commodities.He sympathized with dealers and their strike from NOV 1.Left party also is against this proposal .