Steps on to modernise PDS to check pilferage: Minister

‘94% of ration card holders collected Onam special food kits’

The government is planning to establish godowns in each taluk within the next five years to scientifically store ration goods, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil has said. The move is part of the ongoing steps to modernise the public distribution system (PDS) to prevent malpractices, including pilferage of ration items. Trucks enlisted to transport ration items would be equipped with GPS-tracking devices and godowns would come under a surveillance system, the Minister told media persons at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists here on Tuesday. “Pilferage of items while being transported from godowns to ration outlets is a sad reality. The government aimed to establish godowns under the direct control of the Food and Civil Supplies Department. The use of private godowns will be minimised. Discussions are under way with the State Planning Board to finalise the project,” he said.