Summary:
Nashik: The district supply department has decided to provide cash subsidy directly to the beneficiaries under Public Distribution System (PDS) instead of providing food grains through the Fair Price Shop (FPS).The district supply office is currently evaluating the response from the beneficiaries. We are now asking the beneficiaries about their choice,” a senior official from the district supply office said.In case the beneficiaries choose the cash option, they will get the subsidy amount in their account. According to the government, the system of storing and transportation of food grains is very costly. The pilot project of choice-based direct benefit transfer has been initiated in Thane and the department is also asking the beneficiaries across the district if they would choose to get the cash directly in their account instead of the food grain.The government adopted a resolution on August 21, 2018 offering the beneficiaries to choose the mode of subsidy they would like — in cash or in kind. The beneficiaries will thus be able to buy stuff from the shops at their will instead of depending upon the government supply,” the official added.The FPS shopkeepers have, however, opposed the move..