The public distribution system (PDS) ensures the distribution of essential items such as selected cereals, sugar and kerosene at subsidized prices to holders of ration cards – card provided by the govt to citizens for accessing ration at subsidized rate. The PDS helps ensure food security of the people, especially the poor. The PDS is implemented through Fair Price Shops, popularly known as ‘Ration Shops”.
However, corruption is rampant in PDS across Bihar. Recently even the Supreme Ccourt of India has indicted the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation of Bihar, saying "The diversion of foodgrain takes place at every level of the system…the malady of diversion is prevalent in the system on such a large scale that it has become a menace and threat to the system."
But in Chakfatte village people have decided to fight the corruption instead of just observing it silently. And as a community correspondent Varsha felt compelled to be with them by documenting this fight.
While shooting of the video, Varsha was threatened by the distributor with dire consequences. But her determination helped her complete it.
She now expects that the video will garner viewers’ support to the Chakfatte resident’s struggle to weed out the petty corruption in the PDS.
A Call for Research on AI’s Role in Amplifying the Insights of the Systemically Unheard
The article argues that systematically ignoring and silencing the voices of the poor and marginalized worldwide does not serve society or democracy well and must be countered. While new technologies such as AI could provide an opportunity for change, we contend that these technologies need to account more effectively for...
Fighting for Change: The Story of Bihar-Based Journalist Amir Abbas
Inspiration can come from many sources, but one of the most powerful is seeing someone walk the path before you. Our Community Correspondent, Syed Amir Abbas found his inspiration in Stalin K., the founding director of Video Volunteers. “I met Stalin at VV’s national meet in 2017 and I...