The core-PDS — ‘Meri Marzi’ (My Choice) scheme launched by the Chhattisgarh Government in 2012 has received a good response and is now being currently operated through 565 fair price shops across the State.
As many as 290 fair price shops will be included in the scheme in the year 2014-15 and a budget of \\1.75 crore has been allocated for the purpose, official informed.
The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Raman Singh with the objective to strengthen the PDS system and to provide ration to the beneficiaries from the shop of their choice. Since then, it has gained popularity and is running successfully.
Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Punnulal Mohle said that the public distribution system of the State has established itself as a model for the whole country.
In 2012-13, the core PDS -Meri Marzi scheme was started for computerization of the fair price shops in Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund city and Mahasamund development block, he said.
In 2013-14, the service was extended to Raigarh, Ambikapur, Korba, Chirmiri municipal areas. Presently, the core PDS scheme is being operated successfully in 565 fair price shops across the State. As many as 290 more shops will be added to it in the year 2014-15, the Minister said.
Mohle said that in the 75 years old history of public distribution system in the country, it is the first time in the country that people are getting ration from the shop of their choice in Chhattisgarh.
The scheme is a successful example of consumer empowerment. This scheme has set the accountability of ration shops towards the consumers, he said.
The core-PDS scheme has received all round appreciation and has been recognized nationally. It has received a number of national awards, the Minister stated.