SC pushes for PDS reforms, asks govt to act

“There is a need for effective measures to streamline the entire PDS and there is an uncertainty when the Bill will become a law. Why cannot you, pending the legislation, provide the same structure in the interregnum. Can you administratively and from the executive point of view bring the suggestions as the Bill envisages? The Bill has given a road map for the future. You administratively provide some structure instead of we giving some directions,” a Bench led by Justice T S Thakur asked Attorney General G E Vahanvati.

The Bench said some states were effectively ensuring that foodgrains reach the real beneficiaries by distribution only through government shops or corporations or registered women’s self-help groups. The court said the Centre should consider putting in place an arrangement where states are directed to have one of the modes of distribution.