Paul allege PDS leakage is Rs 106 crores

SHILLONG, MAR 17: UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh revealed that the overall fiscal loss because of leakage in the Public Distribution System (PDS) is Rs 106 crores even as he stated that north eastern states with Meghalaya included accounts for higher leakage compared to the all India figure.

Moving a motion on the PDS system in Meghalaya during Tuesday session of the assembly, Lyngdoh, quoting the Economic Survey report tabled in parliament recently, demanded over hauling and streamlining the PDS for the benefits of those whom the PDS is meant.

Lyngdoh said Meghalaya is one amongst the north east states having huge ‘fiscal cost of leakage’ in term PDS. He said, “The country’s PDS is in a state of shamble in which North East states including Meghalaya contributes to the huge fiscal cost of leakage.”

Lyngdoh said, the fiscal cost of leakages in kerosene in term of percentage, north east ranks higher than the all India figure which is stands at 41 per cent.  He said, “The fiscal cost of leakages in kerosene in Meghalaya is 70 per cent, Nagaland is 97 per cent, Manipur – 84 per cent, Sikkim – 80, Arunachal Pradesh – 67.”

Stating that the fiscal cost of leakages in rice is 42 per cent, Lyngdoh said, “The overall loss of PDS in Meghalaya is Rs 106 crores.” Quoting figures said leakage in wheat is at 99 per cent and fiscal cost of this leakage is Rs 33 crores,

Lyngdoh said, “This leakage of 99 per cent in PDS wheat is not good news for Meghalaya.”Demanding immediate corrective measures, he said, “The entire system of PDS in the state should be immediately streamlined.”

According to Lyngdoh, the impact of the PDS leakages is felt by the poor and underprivileged.  He said, “It is incumbent on the government of the day to spell out what it intends to do to rectify this problem.”

Lyngdoh asserted that the nexus between the wholesalers and officials of the department besides corruption in the system should be identified. He emphasized that the quality of service of the PDS system needs to be toned up.

“We expect the state government to rise to the occasion and ensure that measures are taken to stop the leakages,” Lyngdoh said.  Stressing on the need of uniformity in allotment, he said there are complaints about vast disparity in the allotment of food grains.

Lyngdoh also suggested that there is need to do away with the present system of frequent renewal of wholesalers as all these impacts on the quality and service.  He said, “The government should come up with clear cut criteria for selection of wholesalers.” He was of the opinion that what is needed is to take system much closer to the people.

Asking the government to come with a plan of action, Lyngdoh  said, “Such measures will help in getting rid of the situation where leakages are massive.”

Echoing similar concerns, NPP legislator James K Sangma while participating to  support the motion said, “The Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS) has failed on several fronts in its implementation in Meghalaya.” According to him, various loopholes in the system are exploited by people with vested interests. He was of the opinion that there is need for a proper monitoring system in place.- By Our Reporter