Hand Book for Gaon Burahs and Panchayati Raj Leader

77CHAPTER XVIPDS MANAGEMENT AND ROLE OF PRI / GBGB/PRI has a vital role in management of Public distribution System. At grassroot level the consumers are not much aware about the Public DistributionSystem and its benefits.It is the duty of the PRI/GB to educate the villagers about Public DistributionSystem and also to help the Administration for smooth functioning of PublicDistribution System.The GB / PRI can perform their duties in following way:-1) PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN: - The GB /PRI can educate the consumers atgrass root level about the different schemes of Supply Department. Theyshould make publicity about different schemes like BPL, AntyodayaAnna Yojona (AAY), and Annapurna etc.2) SENSITIZATION OF CONSUMERS: - The local consumers of differentvillage in general are very innocent and most of them are not aware oftheir legitimate right. The GB / PRI should take initiative to educate theconsumers about their right to get PDS commodities at nearest FPS andat reasonable rate. If consumers are not aware of their right then there isevery possibilities of diversion / black marketing of essentialcommodities.3) PANCHAYAT VIGILANCE COMMITTEE: - The panchayat membersmay constitute a vigilance committee of their own to monitor themovement of food grains in nearest FPS. They should check the monthlyallocation of food grains and should confirm whether the allotted quota isreceived in full or not. If allotted quota is not received then they shouldenquire into the matter and bring the facts to the knowledge of theDistrict Administration. The vigilance committee should meet once in amonth to discuss the various problems related to PDS functioning.4) SUBMISSION OF REPORT / RETURN: - The Panchayat vigilancecommittee should submit monthly report of food grains to the DistrictAdministration in every month. On receipt of monthly report / return fromthe Panchayat, the District Authority will be evaluate the performance ofthe FPS dealers and shall be able to take remedial action.5) MAINTENANCE OF COMPLAINT REGISTER: - Panchayat body maymaintain a PDS complaint register for each FPS. They may help theconsumers to lodge their complaint if any in the complaint registeragainst any particular FPS. The register may at least be produced oncein a month before the nearest Administrative officer / Officers of SupplyDepartment.