Awareness programme on PDS and Pension – A.Narayanpura – dt 16.9.14

Awareness Programme on Public Distribution System(PDS) and Pension schemes on 16-9-2014 at Jothipura slum at A.Narayanapura Ward, Bangalore.

CIVIC and Association For promoting Social Action(APSA).Bangalore jointly organized a “Awareness Programme on Public Distribution System(PDS) and Pension schemes” on 16-9-2014 at Jothipura Slum , A.Narayanapura Ward (Ward No. 56), Bangalore.

Smt, S. Gayathri, Deputy Tahasildar, K.R.Puram, Shri. Bhanuprakash and Shri. Venkatesh, Food Inspectors, East range, Bangalore, Shri. Manjunath, Revenue Inspector, K.R.Puram, Shri. Lakshapathy, Director, APSA, Bangalore, Shri. Y.G. Murlidharan, Advisor, CIVIC, Shri. Ramu and Shri.Babu, local leaders of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Welfare Association, Jothipura and Shri. Veeresh, Shri. Ramanji, organizers , CIVIC, Bangalore, participated in the programme

Shri. Bhanuprakash, Food Inspector, East range, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Bangalore, explained the functioning of PDS system in Bangalore. He said that the government is planning to weed out the ineligible ration cards so that the food grains supplied reaches only to the genuine beneficiaries. The government has introduced “SMS” system to verify the beneficiaries, each card holder should input the card details in “SMS” and send to the department. The copies of voter id and Aadhaar Card should be submitted as supporting documents. Any card holders failing to send “SMS” and submit supporting document failing which their cards will be cancelled. The department is also planning to stop distributing kerosene oil in Bangalore, instead cash/coupons will be given to households to purchase cooking gas cylinders.

Smt.S. Gayathri, Deputy Tahasildar, K.R.Puram, explained about the five types of pension schemes implemented by the government. They are: Widow pension, Handicapped persons pension, Oldage Pension, Manasini and Mythri. Manasini scheme will cover single women or divorced women who have completed 40 years. Mythri scheme covers transgenders through the state.

Shri. Ramanji, organizer, CIVIC, Bangalore, submitted a list of 80 persons for not receiving pension and another list of 137 people who were excluded from the PDS system in the slum.