‘DOORSTEP DELIVERY OF RATIONS REJECTED’
LG’S office denies rejecting scheme, says efficient system for distribution needed
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Wednesday said that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has rejected its doorstep delivery of rations scheme, while the LG'S has denied rejecting the scheme.
The LG'S office said that it had advised the government to adopt an efficient public distribution system, which would ensure that while no eligible beneficiary is denied his/her quota of ration, at the same time, no ineligible person can misuse the facility.
“There should be no diversion of food grains meant for the needy and the poor and the entire system should function in the most efficient, cost-effective and transparent manner,” the LG'S office said.
The LG further advised that the Cabinet Decision to suspend the operation of e-pos devices be reconsidered and action, as suggested must be first taken.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that important schemes had fallen victim to “petty politics,” adding that he had repeatedly requested the LG to give him an audience before taking a decision, but the LG refused.
Taking to Twitter, the Chief Minister said, “V sad that Hon'ble LG has rejected doorstep delivery of ration scheme. I had repeatedly requested him to give me an audience before taking a decision but he did not (sic).
“Feeling really really sad that such imp proposals are becoming victims of petty politics,” he added.
Regarding the LG'S recommendation to suspend e-pos devices, Kejrwal further tweeted, “LG also rejects Cabinet's decision to suspend operation of POS machines, which made Adhar mandatory to receive rations. POS machines causing huge problems to the poor people. Poor people will continue to suffer.”
Earlier this month, the Delhi Cabinet had approved the proposal to delivering monthly food rations in sealed packets to the doorstep to beneficiaries of the public distribution scheme (PDS).
The LG reiterated that he totally shared the sentiments of Chief Minister, that even if one poor family gets denied its quota of ration, it is a great human tragedy.
The proposal advocates providing doorstep delivery of wheat/flour, rice and sugar for eligible beneficiaries.
According to a Delhi government official, there are around 72 lakh PDS beneficiaries in the Capital.
After the Cabinet's decision, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said that attempts were made to put roadblocks in the passage of the scheme, adding that he would request the LG to consider it keeping in mind the poor residents of Delhi and pass it.
“Theft of ration, poor quality of supplies and shops remaining closed were the major issues that residents were facing and the implementation of this new scheme would put an end to these harassments,” Sisodia had said.