'PDS shops to be converted into Sevasindhu centres'

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader on Saturday, said that all the Public Distribution System (PDS) shops in the state will be converted into Sevasindhu centres.

Addressing media at a press conference, here, he said that all PDS shops will be allowed to issue bus, train, and flight tickets and to provide other citizen services to the people.

"It is a move to help the shopkeepers to expand their business and also for the people's convenience. The government has entered into an agreement with Common Services Centers (CSC), a project under the Digital India Programme, for the purpose," he said.

"The government pays a commission of Rs 70 per quintal of grains distributed through the fair price shops and an additional Rs 17 is given if the PDS shop owners invest on computers, internet and other facilities for Sevasindhu centres. The CSC will provide the facilities needed if the owners are not in a position to afford and Rs 17 incentive will be given to CSC. However, the owners can contact the respective deputy directors of their district for more details about Sevasindhu," the Minister said.

Senior Deputy Director for Food and Civil Services Ka Rameshwarappa was present.

Election like Mysuru Dasara

When the reporters asked about the allegations against the Congress government, Khader said, "Elections are like Dasara. The people will be very active during Dasara. Similarly, during elections, the opposition leaders will be active and thus, make baseless allegations against the government for political gains," he said.