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Patna, Jan29: Bihar became first state in the country
to implement food stamps for people living below poverty
line (BPL). Chief Minister took a lead by announcing this
innovative scheme on the eve of reublic day in Jamalludin
Panchayat of Patna district.
The
rampant corruption and black marketting of food grains
and kerosene in open market defeated the basic purpose
of this programme. In a World Bank report it was indicated
that more than three fourth foodgrain supplied through
PDS shops are diverted to open market.
In a new scheme every BPL family would be given a bunch
of coupans from which they can buy subsidised ration and
kerosene from any PDS shop nearby.
"This
is not only a coupan but a symbol of empowerment to poor
in Bihar and now they will decide when to purchase ration
form a PDS shop" said Nitish Kumar. He further added
that this scheme would automatically check a lot of malpractices
involved in the scheme.
Recently even Planning Commission Member Abhijit Sen apllauded
this initiative and told that many other states would
follow this new system of PDS.
This
scheme if properly implemented at least 65 lac familes
would get immediate benefit.
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