Proposals to replace the public distribution system with direct cash transfer into individual accounts under the proposed Food Security Bill do not have any taker, claim social activists.
These activists are lobbying against cash transfers. But others believe this is better than distributing foodgrain among the poor.
According to controversial proposal, the public distribution system (PDS) which provides subsidised foodgrain will be replaced with direct cash subsidies.
A fixed amount will be transferred into individuals’ bank accounts every month.
Activists had organised a meeting on the issue in Delhi on Friday.
“Government is not even ready to listen to us. An MLA who was invited for a public meeting suggested that I should bother about my personal life rather than getting worked up about this,” added Pushpa.
Activists said pilot projects of the scheme are running in Raghubir Nagar of west Delhi, while such projects are planned to be started soon in Sangam Vihar in south and Jahangirpuri in north Delhi.
Manmohan, another member of BLSM alleged that government is going to the extent of threatening people who are opposing the cash transfer scheme.
According to Reetika Khera, an economist this step will be regressive. “Currently, in operating the PDS, government incurs a lot of cost in transportation and storage of foodgrain. Replacing the system with cash transfers will transfer that cost to the poor,” she said.
Rashpal Kaur, Delhi state general secretary, National Federation of Indian Women, echoed similar views. “The scheme is just another example that the country’s policies are not made in New Delhi anymore,” she said.
Activists further alleged that government is not addressing the root cause of poverty and is using schemes like cash transfer to cover up “harsh” realities.
“And what is the guarantee that there will be no corruption in the cash transfer system. Since most of these people do not have bank accounts, government babus can easily cheat them,” added Kaur.