Oppn in Rajya sabha seeks revamp of PDS

Accusing the government of weakening the public distribution system (PDS), the opposition parties on Friday demanded its urgent revamp.

Accusing the government of weakening the public distribution system (PDS), the opposition parties on Friday demanded its urgent revamp.

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Taking part in a Rajya Sabha discussion on the working of the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, N.K. Singh said revamp of the PDS was one of the biggest challenges facing Sharad Pawar.

“A time has come to strengthen the public distribution system by improving the regulatory framework and structure bringing more innovative ways to be able to bring in the fresh window and fresh culture based on best international practices.

“If for debt recovery we can have a fast-track court, why can’t we have a fast-track court for the administration of the Essential Commodities Act?…,” the JD(U) MP said.

BJP’s Shanta Kumar said while a large number of people were on the brink of starvation and children malnourished, foodgrain were rotting in godowns.

CPM's Brinda Karat said the poverty line and above poverty line categories were based on faulty parameters.