Problems with PDS foodgrain distribution still serious: Pawar

Government today accepted in Parliament that there have been problems in distribution of foodgrains under the public distribution system (PDS) and the situation is still "serious" though there has been some improvement.     

"There are some problems in distribution of foodgrains under the PDS. A committee appointed by the government and another by the Supreme Court observed flaws in the system. I have conducted many reviews and though there is some improvement, the situation is still serious," Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said in the Rajya Sabha.     

Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, he expressed dissatisfaction over efforts made by states to curb distribution of bogus ration cards.     

"I have requested state governments to run campaigns to eliminate bogus ration cards. Work is on but I am not satisfied with the progress. Though as per the Planning Commission, there are 6.5 crore BPL families, states have allotted 10 crore ration cards to them," he shared.     

To another supplementary, Pawar said his ministry was having discussions with stakeholders on the parameters of the proposed National Food Security Act.     

"Under the proposed law, every BPL family will get 25 kg of foodgrains per month," he elaborated adding that the ministry was getting a lot of suggestions from several states on the proposed measure.