Lucknow, Aug 17 (IANS) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday highlighted the transformation Uttar Pradesh’s ration distribution system witnessed through technology and transparency and claimed that while rations previously failed to reach the intended recipients from the government level, fair price shop dealers had to bear the brunt of the resulting abuse and disrepute.
He made these remarks during the launch of a new e-PoS-based commission system for fair-price shop dealers. The initiative raises their commission from Rs 90 to Rs 125 per quintal, along with the launch of an e-PoS-based feedback system.
The Chief Minister noted that the introduction of e-PoS machines, single-stage door-step delivery, and a system for transporting rations directly to the shops has not only enhanced transparency but also elevated the dignity of fair price shop dealers.
Speaking at the launch event, the Chief Minister said, “The installation of e-PoS machines began in 2017 to transform the state’s system and alter public perception regarding these dealers. Subsequently, a system was implemented to transport rations directly from FCI warehouses to the ration shops, thereby eliminating the role of middlemen.”
Taking aim at the previous governments, CM Yogi said, “Those who failed to bring about such changes during their own tenures are now attempting to cast the visible transformation in the state in a negative light… The introduction of transparency in the system has led to an increase in the commission earned by fair price shop dealers and an improvement in their social standing.”
Referring to the old ration distribution mechanism, the Chief Minister pointed out that fair price shop dealers were not at fault when the government failed to dispatch rations. “Despite this, they were the ones who faced verbal abuse and disrepute for errors committed by others. At that time, fair price shop dealers faced a crisis regarding their identity and dignity.”
“The government has ensured accountability in ration distribution through the use of technology. Now, the e-PoS-based feedback system will allow the issues and suggestions of fair price shop dealers to be directly integrated into the administrative system,” he added.
CM Yogi further announced that, under the directives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fair price shops are being developed into ‘Annapurna Bhavans’.
“The state government has allocated Rs 500 crore for this initiative. These buildings will not only facilitate ration distribution but will also feature developed storage facilities… The government’s objective is not merely to turn fair-price shops into centres for ration distribution, but to transform them into well-equipped and dignified establishments,” he added.
Criticising previous governments, the Chief Minister claimed, “The system for providing rations to the poor in the state was in a dismal state prior to 2017. At that time, ration cards belonging to the poor were often held by influential individuals, leaving eligible beneficiaries deprived of food grains.”
Highlighting the change under the BJP-led state government, CM Yogi noted that approximately 15 crore people in the state are receiving free rations through the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’.
“Arrangements have also been made to ensure rations reach the destitute and differently-abled… Around two crore families in the state have been provided with free LPG connections, and 1.53 crore families have received free electricity connections,” he added.
In addition to the ration distribution system, the Chief Minister also highlighted the changes brought about in the basic education sector and said, “The Basic Education Council previously suffered from similar disarray; many schools lacked proper buildings and adequate teaching staff. In some instances, while teachers were present, student enrollment was extremely low, and a large number of children would drop out before completing the academic session.”
CM Yogi suggested that videos of schools should be recorded to reveal their actual condition. “Merely claiming improvements on paper is insufficient; one must visit the schools to witness the reality firsthand,” he added.
He stated that the government strengthened basic amenities in council schools through ‘Operation Kayakalp,’ providing facilities such as improved flooring, separate toilets for boys and girls, and furniture.
“Approximately 1.60 crore children are being provided with school bags, uniforms, sweaters, and other essentials,” he mentioned.
Drawing a comparison between the state of government schools prior to 2017 and the “significant transformation” witnessed currently, CM Yogi asserted that a state’s progress is determined not merely by announcements, but “by tangible results visible on the ground”.
“Real change becomes evident only when the government introduces transparency into the system and ensures that the poor, farmers, women, and marginalised sections receive the direct benefits of welfare schemes… When the system itself is dominated by plunder and middlemen, one cannot expect change. Today, through technology, transparency, and accountability, the government has created systems whose benefits are reaching the common people directly,” he added.
–IANS
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