Public distribution system to be rejuvenated

The Statesman, 1st June, 2009

The newly sworn-in minister of state for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs Mr Sarada Nayak has promised to make the public distribution system (PDS) more transparent, effective and people-friendly. He has also said identification and cancellation of fake ration cards will be the first step towards a more transparent PDS in the state. While interacting with the media persons here, the two-time Rourkela MLA said: “I am well aware of the loopholes in the distribution system as it is highlighted by the media from time to time. Let me assure you that I will do something definite in this direction.” However, asked to give the details of the plans, he declined to say anything more. “I cannot say more regarding the department right now. I have just taken charge of the department and not in a position to give much information about the department. Allow me some time to understand the nitty-gritty and then only will I be in a position to say something,” Mr Nayak added. However, he did go on to speak a few words on the controversial paddy procurement process in the department.“One of the first things I have done on assuming office is to issue an order that procurement payments should be made through account payee cheques as this will reduce the middlemen’s role.” Expressing concern over the inadequate storage facilities in the state, he pointed out that steps would soon be taken to tackle the issue. “In Kalahandi alone, we have a plan to procure over 22 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, but we have storage facility for only 2 lakh metric tonnes,” he observed. Lashing out at the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the minister charged that the corporation is showing a stepmotherly attitude for the state. “At this stage, the FCI is not procuring a single grain of paddy or milled rice in the state and that is really paining me and I am going to do something about it.” Responding to the scribes' queries on the contentious issue of the government medical college at Rourkela, he said that he will sincerely look into the matter. “Due to elections, the process had stopped and no decision has been taken yet, but I assure you in the coming days, very soon, we will do something concrete.”He also added that Rourkela would get a new master plan under the master plan proposition of Greater Rourkela whose consulting agency is the Country and Town Planning Department of Government of India.