It is a matter of great pride for Rayagada and also the entire state that a seemingly impossible project such as the Biometric based targeted Public distribution System was started in Rayagada and is about to complete one year. This is one of its kind project in the entire country, as in many other places, according to World Food program officials, it hasn't moved beyond the preliminary stages. That it could come up and is implemented in a full fledged manner in a naxal affected district of one of the most backward parts of the country goes on to prove that novel ideas can be successfully implemented in these parts. More than 20000 ghost cards were eliminated and a saving of more than Rs. 3 crore was made in Rayagada district because of check on pilferage of essential commodities due to this project.
However there are some issues that needs to be resolved failing which some genuine people will be left out of such projects. About 33000 people who didn't figure in the 1997 BPL survey list, but were enrolled and provided smart PDS cards as per 2002 BPL survey, are left out of this benefit, as the 2002 BPL list has not been ratified by the Govt of India. Infact anticipating approval from Govt of India, the district administration was instructed to enroll the people who figured in the 2002 BPL list in the new PDS system. However pending approval from Govt. of India, the district has been for the last one year in a difficult position as the quota from govt of India is released only according to the 1997 list and there it is almost impossible for the administration to explain to the 33 thousand odd people as to why they cannot get the benefit of PDS, inspite of the district administration providing them the bio metric based smart cards/ bar coded cards. This has also resulted in aw and order situation in many places.
With the present fresh BPL survey been undertaken, there is some hope for the people to expect their rightful entitlement.
