Report by OD bureau, Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure smooth supply of consumer items, chief minister Naveen Patnaik today asked the food supply and consumer welfare department to streamline Public Distribution System (PDS).

The chief minister said this while presiding over a high-level review meeting on PDS at the State Secretariat here. He also directed the officials ensure that the farmers sell their harvested paddy at a reasonable price. It may be mentioned that the state government has been providing rice at Rs 2 a kg scheme to 36,93,317 BPL families and 6,04,551 poor left-out families.

Besides, 12,53,252 families are also availing the same under Antodaya Anna Yojana. To facilitate smooth supply of rice, wheat and sugar, 237 rice procurement centres and departmental stores have been opened. For smooth management of supply, steps have been taken to monitor the PDS network through online, the meeting revealed and stressed for opening of more depots to stock PDS items.

Among others, food supply and consumer welfare Minister Pratap Keshari Deb, chief secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, principal secretary to chief minister AP Padhi, secretary, food supply and consumer welfare Madhusudan Padhi and senior officials of the concerned department were present.