Demand to distribute sugar and salt along with three months ration

26-May-2025 01:00 PM

Raipur. In light of increasing stock levels, the Central Government has planned to distribute three months' worth of ration to beneficiaries across the country under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Preparations for this have also begun in Chhattisgarh. The aim is to provide rice for the months of June, July, and August at once, so that beneficiaries do not have to make repeated visits to ration shops during the rainy monsoon season.

However, beneficiaries have expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement. They are demanding that, along with rice, the quota of sugar and salt for three months should also be distributed together.

Otherwise, they will still be forced to visit ration shops monthly. In Baloda Bazar district, which is relatively underdeveloped, roads often deteriorate during the rainy season, making travel difficult. In some cases, villages become isolated due to heavy rainfall, cutting them off from ration distribution centers.

Beneficiaries have welcomed the idea of receiving a lump sum ration but insist that including sugar and salt would provide real relief. Ration shopkeepers, on the other hand, have highlighted technical challenges.

During monsoon, server issues are common, and the systems often become slow, affecting the distribution process. Distributing three months’ ration means that the thumb impression of each beneficiary must be taken three times, which may take 15–20 minutes per person.

Currently, ration for the month of May is being distributed, and the new system will take effect from June 1. More than 13.04 lakh beneficiaries in Baloda Bazar district are expected to benefit.

The District Magistrate has instructed shopkeepers to stock enough rice by May 31 and complete the three-month distribution process by June 30. Delivering rice to ration shops during the rainy season is another challenge that needs to be addressed promptly.