State to check irregularities in public distribution system
In an attempt to improve the public distribution system (PDS), the state has decided to provide merchants with three months stock of foodgrains instead of the prevalent one. The reason there have been constant complaints from consumers regarding shortage and irregular stocks. Addressing the members of the Legislative Council, Anil Deshmukh, state food and civil supplies minister, admitted of irregularities in the distribution system. We are streamlining the distribution system to ensure that it reaches the beneficiaries, he said.
Deshmukh said they were in the process of revamping the PDS network and it would take six months time to do the needful.
In addition, the state announced making a provision of Rs50 crore to increase the milk production in the state.
Madhukar Chavan, state dairy development minister, said the state was taking all measures to hike the production. We are also offering 40% subsidy on purchase of six cows and buffaloes, said Chavan.
He rued the state of milk powder production units as two have closed down while the other two are doing badly.
Speaking on the issue, Shiv Sena member of legislative council Diwakar Raote said the state should divert the milk from the closed units to the consumers. Chavan assured that the suggestion would be considered by the state.