The biggest sin for a king is the
death of any of his subjects due to hunger
- Chanakya, in his
treatise ‘Arthasastra’
Indian Institute of Management Raipur conducted a guest
lecture by Mr. Kaushalendra Singh, Managing Director Chhattisgarh state civil
supplies corporation on October 3, 2012. The lecture focused on the Evolution
of best practices in Food grain management through procurement and Public
distribution systems in Chhattisgarh.
The lecture discussed various aspects of public distribution
system, and the usage of information technology and logistic facilities for
effective and efficient collection and distribution of food grains throughout
the state of Chhattisgarh.
He observed that the use of modern technology and the
involvement of public in the PDS had been a major factor that ensured the
achievement of the intended goal.
Recently the Supreme Court of India acknowledged the
effectiveness of innovative policies followed in PDS by Chhattisgarh and has
recommended implementation of similar policies in other states.
The state government’s role in procuring agricultural goods has
improved the welfare of the farmers. It has saved the farmers from the distress
caused by the intermediate agents. The farmers now receive right sum for their hard
work void of exploitation at the hands of arhtiyas.
Improved accountability, transparency, instant payment
through computer generated cheques and effective protection of the collected
food grains have enforced the government’s commitment towards its people.
He commented that several
legal and structural reforms were undertaken to deliver these benefits to the
farmers and the ration cardholders. Removal of 2.80 lakh fake ration cards has
helped the government to identify the real demand within the state. The Dal bhat Kendra is an initiative taken by
the government to provide healthy and tasty food for the below poverty line
citizens.
All these measures clearly radiated the amount of political
and bureaucratic will required in developing an effective public distribution
system in the state.
The lecture closed with an interactive session with the
students on the intricacies involved in the implementation and improvisation of
the innovative systems designed for these purposes.
Prof. B. S. Sahay , Director of Indian Institute of
Management Raipur gave a vote of thanks to Mr. Kaushalendra Singh for sharing
his valuable insights.
