What is the Open Market Sales Scheme, and why is there a Centre vs. State dispute on foodgrains under it
Explain the concept and intricacies of the Open Market Sales Scheme, and discuss the recent dispute between the Central and State governments regarding foodgrains under it.
- The Central government wants to distribute the foodgrains through FCI-regulated markets to ensure transparency and reduce any errors or leakages in the distribution process.
- Some State governments, on the other hand, want to distribute the foodgrains through PDS outlets as they have a wider reach and are more accessible to the masses.
- The Central government argues that the PDS system is prone to leakages and pilferage, and hence, it is better to distribute the foodgrains through regulated markets.
- The State governments, on the other hand, claim that the PDS system is more effective in reaching the poor and marginalized sections of society, and hence, should be utilized for distribution.
- The dispute has been ongoing, with both Central and State governments trying to find a middle ground.
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a year ago