Cash transfer, Would kill PDS, says Karat

The Union government’s decision to implement the Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) scheme would be the death knell for the Public Distribution System (PDS), CPM general secretary Prakash Karat said, here.

Karat kicked off a signature campaign to demand the passage of a Food Security Bill that will lay the ground for universal PDS.

He addressed a public meeting jointly organised by the CPM and CPI to oppose the setting up of operations of American retail giant Walmart in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peravai president T Vellaiyan and Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaippu president A M Vikramaraja had both been slated to attend the public meeting on Tana Street, in Purasavakkam. However, the divisions between the two groups was evident when only Vellaiyan turned up.

Speakers at the event attacked the UPA for its policy to allow FDI in retail sector. “Walmart and other foreign retailers will destroy more jobs than they create. At such a juncture, the government has also proposed the Direct Cash Transfer scheme, which will destroy the entire Public Distribution System. Maybe the PM wants the people to use the cash to buy rice at Walmart,” said Karat.