PDS system should become quicker, say people at Jana-Mana meet

Beneficiaries of the ‘Jana-Mana’ programme have demanded effective introduction of a system that ensures better quality and quicker delivery of groceries to the public.

The programme was organised by the district administration in association with the district Information and Public Relations Department in Udupi on Saturday.

The beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) poured out their grievances, but also lauded the various development programmes implemented by the Congress-led State government.

Rupesh Karkala, from Kalya village of Karkala taluk, said that the BPL cardholders in the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada district should be offered boiled rice, as it is the staple diet of the people of the region.

Prakash Acharya from Kalya said that the groceries and other items like kerosene should be supplied on a single day in the PDS shop. “It will help people take home all the items together. Also, the government should consider offering kerosene to BPL cardholders who have LPG connection,” he demanded.

In response to a query, district in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that the government has extended the health care facilities to the APL cardholders under the Rajiv Gandhi Arogya Sri programme. He assured to hold talks with the concerned minister regarding the PDS shops that would be open on all days of a week, including Sunday.

He said that the government is also contemplating on increasing the number of PDS shops if the local people take the initiative to open shops.

Additional Deputy Commissioner In-charge Yogeshwar replied to a query saying that the district is included for the pilot project to introduce point of sale machine in all PDS shops. “It will, therefore, be equipped with the machines within two months’ time,” he said, adding that thumb impression will be necessary to procure the ration.

Beneficiaries of the Ksheera Bhagya scheme demanded that the glass of milk be provided twice a day.

Beneficiary Shashikala Kalavara, from Kundapur, said that all varieties of cattle should be brought under the insurance schemes. The rules should be simplified so that the farmers are not harassed, she demanded.

Achyuta Adiga from Chantaru village said that the diesel subsidy should be extended to the farmers just like it has been given to fishermen. The minister, in response, said that the government is contemplating on ensuring the centres to agricultural equipment.

The other major issues raised at the meeting was regarding the wild animal menace affecting farm yields. The farmers said that they should be given licence to use guns to ward away the wild animals that come to their fields. “The compensation given to farmers who lose their crops owing to wild animal attack is meagre,” they grieved.

The Veterinary Department officer briefed the people present on the ‘Pashubhagya Scheme’ introduced by the government.