)
The Chhattisgarh government has launched a plan to implement its core public distribution system (PDS) — Meri Marzi — in all 27 district headquarters within the next year-and-a-half.
Launched in state capital Raipur, the scheme is in line with the portability principle in PDS. The beneficiary can colect food grain from any shop.
The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Chhattisgarh seems to be in a hurry to implement its own food security scheme even as the Centre mulls amendment to the one introduced by the United Progressive Alliance.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh told Business Standard, “The government has already covered 6.5 million families under the first phase of the food security scheme, where the government distributes 35 kg rice at Re 1, 2 kg salt for free and also chana (chickpea) to the Tribal population.
“In the second phase, the government intends to cover urban areas. The Meri Marzi scheme allow the beneficiary the facility to draw money anywhere, just like an automated teller machine (ATM). They can procure food from any shop. The details of rations supplied to every beneficiary is made available online, to ensure transperancy in the working of fair price shops.”
The chief minister said the foof security scheme does not only provide sustenance but also nutirition. The government’s annual outgo on the scheme was Rs 2,000 crore.
The scheme was being implemented in Raipur since July, 2012. Since November, 2012, 69 shops in Durg had also been brought under it, and from December that year, 17 shops in Mahasamund city, and 43 in the eponymous block were under it since January 2013.
Soon, Bhilai, Jagdalpur, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Korba, Ambikapur and Chirmiri would also benefit from the scheme.
Singh said there has been zero pilferage and leakage during the implementation of the scheme. “Even the Ashok Gulati Committee, in its recent report, has acknowledged government’s efforts.”
The government efforts to reduce infant mortality rate (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) have also paid off significantly.
“IMR has been reduced to 237 (per 1,000) from 467. The government is committed to reduce both IMR and MMR below the national average,” said Singh.
The government has also been proactive against the Naxalites, said the chief minister.
Considering Bastar to be the centre of the rebel stronghold, the government had introduced many measures to reduce their influence.
“Apart from the PDS, the government has implemented a scheme for minor forest produce, put in place a big network for education and health care. This apart, the government has launched a skill upgradate scheme, especially for tribal youths, who are getting trained in more than 60 different trades,” said Singh
According to him, the government’s surrender policy has worked as more and more Naxalites have responded and given up arms.
Singh said the Centre has recently sanctioned Rs 4,000 crore alone for the improvement in infrastructure and connectivity in Bastar and around. “In addition to the existing force, the Centre has also approved 10 battalions for security,” he added.
As far as Chhattisgarh’s power situation is concerned, Singh said the state is power surplus and is prepared to supply electricity to Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
“The state will have additional installed capacity of 15,000 MW in the next three years. Besides, the government has launched solar power projects of 150 MW and they will be operational within a year. In addition, 140 MW is currently being produced through rice husk. The government is working hybrid model comprising wind and solar.”
