The Maharashtra government may have emulated Madhya Pradesh for delivery of various services to the citizens, but when it comes to the public distribution system (PDS), Chhattisgarh has a thing or two to offer.
Considered one of the most corruption-hit schemes across the nation, PDS sees a leakage of about 40 per cent. However, the Chhattisgarh has successfully brought down the leakage to 4 per cent by getting rid of private shops to distribute ration (see box).
The Chhattisgarh model
In a major reform, the Chhattisgarh government first handed over the control of ration shops from private players to women's self-help groups, panchayats and cooperative societies. Then the government focussed on making sure that those running the shops earned a proper income. For this, it hiked their commission four times. Shops were opened in all panchayats and provided an interest-free loan up to Rs 70,000. A system was created to monitor the goods from the warehouse to the shops.
Fadnavis keen on better PDS delivery
Chhattisgarh chief minister Dr Raman Singh, who is in Mumbai for an investors' meet, told dna on Wednesday that he had a discussion with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on the implementation of the PDS.
"Fadnavis has shown keen interest in sending a delegation to study our PDS model." According to a senior bureaucrat from his state, they spend about Rs12,000 crore towards procurement of various food grains. All the transactions take place without the involvement of cash, he said.
A step ahead with smart cards
Dr Singh said they are relying more on information technology to improve delivery of ration in his state. "The consumers have been given smart cards called 'Meri Marzi' for availing benefits of PDS. This cards are activated just like ATM card. They give the masses the freedom to buy ration from any of the notified shops in the state."
Team to visit Chhattisgarh soon
Maharashtra food and civil supplies minister Girish Bapat said a delegation comprising district supply officers and a few legislators from various parts of the state will visit Chhattisgarh within 8-10 days. "I'm sure they will bring home some efficient practices which can be used for effective implementation of PDS in Maharashtra."
