Paswan reviews PDS in 13 backward districts of Bihar

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today reviewed the functioning of the public distribution system (PDS) in 13 most backward districts of Bihar. The government is focusing on transforming 115 most backward districts in the country by ensuring the benefits of the schemes reach to them. In November last year, the Niti Ayog had appointed additional secretary and joint secretary rank officials as prabhari or in-charge to coordinate between the efforts of the Centre and the concerned states. In the first meeting with Prabhari, Paswan took inputs from them to prepare an action plan to ensure PDS works effectively in the 13 most backward districts. The minister discussed about automation of PDS shops, construction of FCI godowns and among other necessary infrastructure required for smooth sale of subsidised foodgrains to the poor beneficiaries, a senior ministry official said.

Out of the 13 backward districts in Bihar, five of them are naxal-affected areas and other districts are lagging behind in socio-economic indicators.