There public distribution system expanded after the Food Security Act, 2014 to include 75% of rural and 45% urban population. Later the public distribution system was also digitised and is now operated through biometrics of the beneficiary. The organisation has helped many people access ration cards and also renews ration cards. Some years back Elgar Pratishthan did a study of the public distribution system in Chandrapur district and it was found that there is rampant corruption and malpractices in many areas. A detail report was published and shared with the administration and the media. Thereafter there was an improvement in the situation.
The organisation has also raised the demand for kerosene oil which used to be given previously but is now not given. A delegation of rural women went to the Mantralaya and met the PDS secretary to demand for kerosene to be included in the PDS supplies. This demand was also raised before the Tribal Development Department.
During the Corona crisis the organisation raised the demand for pulses, oil and sugar to be added to the supplies under the PDS. Although the Central Government included 5 kgs of ration and 1 kg pulses (Chana or Tuvar) the other necessary items were not added.
Elgar Pratishthan Strengthening (PDS)
