With the government?s targeted public distribution system (TPDS) coming under attack for inefficiency and wastage from various quarters, industry association Ficci has suggested introduction of food stamps to poor families instead of the current practice of supplying subsidised food grains. The chamber has also asked the government to link food stamps to various social sector schemes.
In a study on revamping the public distribution system, Ficci has stated that the issuance of food stamps will provide the incentive for BPL adult members to participate in developmental works, and at the same time, protect them and their families from rising food prices. The chamber has recommended that such targeted distribution of food must be done forthwith as food prices have increased in the 52-week period ended May 8, 2010. The latest official data on wholesale prices shows that during the past 13 months, prices of pulses have gone up by 33.65%, rice grew by 7.72%, wheat by 4.74%, cereals by 6.37%, milk by 21.12% and fruits by 17%.
Food stamps are pieces of secure paper, issued for the purchase of a fairly wide range of specified foods. Consumers are usually free to use food stamps to buy any quantity of foods they wish at market prices.
Ficci has suggested that such stamps be introduced in India, particularly in view of the wide criticism of the TPDS in its original form for its failure to serve below the poverty line (BPL) people, its urban bias, negligible coverage in the states with highest concentration of rural poor, and lack of transparent and accountable arrangements for delivery.
Strict penalties have to be put in place to minimise diversion of food stamps to non-target groups and misuse to purchase non-food items, the chamber has suggested. It also said: ?Here is a distinct possibility of food stamps being counterfeited, appearance-related features of food stamps should be technologically ?superior?, ?smart? and ?secure? that make fraudulent practices extremely difficult, if not impossible.?
For linking the food stamp programme, Ficci has stated the adult beneficiaries should mandatorily participate in other self employment and training schemes like Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, Swarna Jayanti Gramin Rozgar Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, etc. Minor dependents should be mandatorily enrolled in schools and women and children should get regular check-ups at government hospitals and clinics.