Mohd Irfan
A contentious issue has emerged in Jammu regarding the Public Distribution System (PDS), with consumers raising alarming questions about the fate of rice allocations they claim not to purchase. This controversy has prompted a response from Rifat Kohli, Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in Jammu, shedding light on the complex dynamics of PDS implementation in the region.
Many PDS beneficiaries in Jammu assert they primarily consume PDS flour and not rice, citing quality concerns with the latter. However, Point of Sale (POS) machine receipts indicate both flour and rice purchases, leading to allegations of potential misappropriation by ration dealers.
Mohd Rafiq, a PDS consumer, voiced his concerns: “Our family of four gets PDS flour from the ration depot, but I don’t take the PDS rice due to quality issues. I’m worried about where this rice goes if I’m not buying it. It seems ration depot holders might be selling it on the black market for profit.”
This sentiment was echoed by other consumers like Asif and Reena, who suggested that unclaimed rice might be finding its way to the open market. They called for a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency in the PDS.
The crux of the issue lies in the discrepancy between what consumers claim to purchase and what POS receipts indicate. For a family of four, POS receipts show a total amount of Rs. 268, which includes both flour and rice purchases. This has left many consumers puzzled and suspicious. Responding to these concerns, Director Rifat Kohli emphasized that consumers are required to purchase both flour and rice as per their entitlements. “PDS consumers should buy the PDS rice. If the POS receipt shows rice purchase, how can consumers claim they haven’t bought it?” Kohli questioned, highlighting the apparent contradiction.
Kohli explained that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2016, each person is entitled to 4 kg of flour and 1 kg of rice. She stressed that it’s the consumer’s responsibility to collect their full allocation, adding that relinquishing the right to take PDS rice is a “consumer’s mistake.” Addressing the quantity discrepancy, Kohli clarified that due to the bran removed during wheat grinding, consumers receive 3.8 kg of flour instead of 4 kg. For a family of four in the Priority Household (PHH) category, this translates to 15.2 kg of flour.
The director also shed light on the pricing structure, stating that for Non-Priority Households (NPHH), PDS flour is priced at Rs. 13 per kg, while rice costs Rs. 15 per kg. These rates have been fixed since 2016 under the NFSA. Addressing allegations of misappropriation, Kohli asserted that the POS system has significantly reduced the possibility of ration pilferage. “Once PDS consumers put their thumb on the POS machine for buying ration, swindling is not possible. Only eligible consumers get the PDS ration,” she stated. However, some consumers reported technical issues with the POS machines, sometimes resulting in thumb impressions not being accepted. Kohli acknowledged these glitches, attributing them to network issues and improper thumb application by consumers. She assured that new machines are being procured to address these concerns. The director encouraged consumers to report any irregularities to area inspectors and Tehsil Supply Officers before approaching the director’s office. She noted instances where consumers lodged complaints but later settled with ration dealers privately, a practice she discouraged. Kohli also highlighted the implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, allowing beneficiaries to access their entitlements from any fair price shop in the union territory. This flexibility aims to benefit consumers who may have family members residing in different districts. Regarding the e-Shram cards, Kohli explained that these were issued to the labor class in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with Supreme Court directives. She clarified that possessing both an e-Shram card and a ration card does not entitle laborers to additional rations beyond their sanctioned quota. As of now, Jammu has approximately 792 ration depot dealers, though this number fluctuates due to various factors such as deaths, pending inquiries, and voluntary closures. This controversy underscores the complexities in PDS implementation and the need for greater awareness among beneficiaries about their entitlements and the importance of monitoring their ration receipts. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how authorities will address these concerns and ensure transparent and efficient distribution of PDS commodities in Jammu. The situation calls for a collaborative effort between the administration and beneficiaries to bridge the information gap and streamline the PDS process, ensuring that the intended benefits reach the rightful recipients without any leakages or misappropriations.
