KSA suggests revision of PDS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 17 2020:
KSA has said that the Government seriously needs to review the current Public Distribution System.
KSA in a statement said that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) and National Food Security Act (NFSA) are yet to be effectively implemented in the State as many deserving beneficiaries are left out of its ambit even during the lockdown.
As such, rights of many beneficiaries are violated and the welfare policies launched by the India Government failed to reach the real beneficiaries due to lack of accountability on the part of the Government.
Marginalised sections and people living under the below poverty line are entitled to get benefits of food security and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) under PMGKY but only a few people have knowledge for it and avail the benefits, it said.
KSA also expressed strong suspicion that the Government might have appropriated many funds under various benefit schemes/ programmes meant for the poor and old citizens, widows, disabled persons, farmers etc as no responsible person come out publicly to state that these benefits have reached to the beneficiaries.
The student body also stated that many CSOs and persons from media fraternity have many a time exposed that often beneficiaries are left out of these welfare schemes and asked whether such schemes are prepared for a publicity stunt and petty political gain.
KSA also expressed strong displeasure over the Government's failure to cover many households under the National Food Security Act and at the same time for doing politics through PDS agents.
Making well connected or hand-picked people richer by deducting or denying the due share of many marginalized people is a gross violation of human rights and KSA will never remain silent until justice is done, it said while urging the Government to review the defunct public distribution system.