Minister for Civil Supplies Eatala Rajender, on Saturday, admitted that the government could not distribute rice through fair price shops owing to the inefficiency of the company which was to install the electronic point of sale machines in the ration shops across the State.
The Minister expressed his chagrin at the failure to distribute rice during Dasara festival in a few districts, and warned the company to ensure proper distribution at least for Deepavali.
He addressed a review meeting on Saturday, where he remarked that the e-POS machines were meant for curbing irregularities and not to put the genuine beneficiaries to hardships, and bring a bad name to the government.
A let down
After initial success of e-POS machines in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area, the government has gone ahead to install the same across the State, and entered into agreement with a company with suitable technical expertise and experience.
However, the company has let the government down, by not performing to the expected standards, Mr. Rajender pointed out.
He also questioned the laxity of officials, and directed Commissioner Civil Supplies C.V. Anand to enforce e-POS system on the ground, only after being satisfied with their performance, though it may delay the process.
More shops
The meeting also discussed collection of rice. Mr. Anand informed that the government needs 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of rice for distribution through PDS this year.
The Minister assured that a decision will be taken in two months on the requests for more fair price shops. Meanwhile, he urged the dealers to visit the remote hamlets twice a month for distribution of rice.
A decision will also be take on appointment of dealers in shops which are run by in-charge dealers, the Minister added.