Shimla, Jan 16,
The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), Himachal Pradesh State Committee, has strongly criticized the government for the inadequate supply of essential commodities, including edible oil, under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
In press statement issued here AIDWA secretary Falma Chauhan stated that committee expressed concern over the government’s failure to ensure timely availability of food supplies, leaving the poor and marginalized in a difficult situation.
The association highlighted issues with the misuse of eKYC by the Food Supply Department, where ration cardholders are being threatened, their names removed from the system, and their ration cards blocked.
This, they argued, is an inhumane practice. Poor families, especially women, face immense challenges in acquiring and maintaining ration cards due to the lack of documents like birth or marriage certificates.
AIDWA also criticized the Central government for consistently reducing the PDS budget, weakening the system, and increasing reliance on the open market.
Rising market prices have further worsened food insecurity, forcing families to cut down on basic food consumption. Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by this crisis.
The organization called for urgent action to strengthen the PDS amidst inflation to ensure sufficient food for all. They demanded strict measures to curb hoarding and black marketing, which exacerbate the crisis.
Referring to India’s low rank of 105 out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index, AIDWA emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity urgently.
AIDWA demanded restoration of edible oil supplies through the PDS in Himachal Pradesh, as market prices are unaffordable for the people.
The association warned that failure to address these issues would lead to Statewide protests, with women mobilized to challenge the government and the Food Supply Department. They reiterated the need for immediate measures to ensure food security and alleviate the struggles of the common people.
