|
Kolkata: Claiming
there have been 13 starvation deaths in West Bengal in the past 14
months, a network of trade unions and NGOs Saturday demanded
reforms in the public distribution system (PDS).
It also urged the state government to "convince" the central
government to make certain amendments in the proposed Food
Security Bill.
"Since May 2011, 13 starvation deaths have been reported in the
state, which implies that that the food security situation in West
Bengal is still worrying. There is an urgent need to carry out
reforms in the PDS so that the benefits actually reach the poor
and the needy," West Bengal Adviser to the Supreme Court Anuradha
Talwar said here.
However, state Food Minister Jyoti Priya Mullick rubbished the
reports of starvation deaths.
"Not a single death due to starvation has taken place. Although
the said deaths were unnatural in some cases but were not due to
hunger or starvation. While in few cases the deaths were due to
snakebite, in others it was due to old age and sickness," said
Mullick.
Talwar, quoting death certificates of the deceased, claimed the
deaths were due to starvation.
The Talwar-led Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (a trade union)
and several other unions and NGOs will undertake a statewide
agitation demanding reforms to check mismanagement in the PDS.
The demands include correction of PDS beneficiaries' list,
enhanced monitoring and vigilance of PDS shops and monitoring of
sick tea estates.
Claiming that the proposed Food Security Bill will actually reduce
the food grain allocation for PDS, the network urged the state
government to insist on a bill that ensures universal coverage
with equal entitlements for all and guarantees decentralised
procurement.
Talwar also said the central government's proposal to provide cash
transfers to PDS beneficiaries instead of providing them food
grains would increase corruption.
"If the cash transfer system is allowed it will absolutely corrupt
the much corrupt PDS," added Talwar.
The central government is mulling winding up the antiquated PDS
and replace it with a system by which food stamps or coupons, and
where necessary, cash transfers, are mailed directly to the
recipients of subsidised food grain, sugar and kerosene.
|
Comments
|
Quick links