TNN(11mukul.doc)Mukul assurance on PDS awareness

SHILLONG: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Friday assured the assembly of spreading awareness on distribution of foodgrain under the public distribution system (PDS) throughout the state.
"The issue involves the common man and the intention of the state and central government is to ensure that the items reach the targeted beneficiaries without any compromise on quality," the chief minister said.He, however, admitted that here were "inherent problems" in the system.
Informing that "huge funds" were available for spreading awareness among the masses on issues relating to PDS, Sangma told the house that all programmes of the Centre would be utilized and integrated efforts would be made for proper distribution of foodgrain, especially among BPL card holders.
Earlier, replying to a query by legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit, minister in-charge, food, civil supplies and consumer affairs Augustine Marak told the house that there was no report of "rotten rice" being supplied to consumers. The minister said the consumers' court has not received any complaints in this regard so far.
Not satisfied with the minister's reply, Leader of Opposition Conrad Sangma said though Grade-A rice is allotted to BPL families, the rice supplied is below the mark.
Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri asked the minister to "not shift responsibility" in this regard. Opposition MLA ECB Bamon also expressed concern over the issue saying that "huge amount" of foodgrain was not lifted by dealers from FCI godowns.
The minister, however, asserted that dealers were bound to lift their quotas from the godowns.