Food Security takes roots in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Aug 17 (ANI): It has been over ten years since the formation of one amongst the newest states in the Indian Union, carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral wealth, forest cover and home to a predominantly tribal population.

Its unique cultural and social practices, the way peoples lives are so entwined with the forests is a fascinating study in itself. Yet there have been huge challenges especially in the face of the disruption and dislocation of governance caused by Naxalism.

There is much to bemoan about the way, this ongoing conflict has prevented development from taking root in the region, shattered the lives of the people particularly in the interiors. There is no doubt that steering this region towards development, towards an inclusive, growth-oriented society and economy has been a tough call. . Yet there is much to celebrate here. In the midst of this conflict, something very tangible has been achieved.

Food Security in Chhattisgarh is not a buzzword, spinning off from the noise and attention that mark the issue at a national level. Here it has quietly taken root. This can be attributed to largely the way the government has responded to the pathetic situation of the paddy cultivators.

Chhattisgarh is known as the 'Rice Bowl'. But for years, for the thousands of paddy farmers, caught in a low-remunerative agricultural practice, survival was at stake. It was in April 2007, that the state government under Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh launched the Mukhyamantri Khaddyanna Surakhsa Yojna (MKSY).

This large-scale welfare scheme provided foodgrains at subsidised rates to the thousands of poor families. Under this scheme, more than 37 lakh people roughly about 42 percent of the total population, those living below the poverty line (BPL) were provided 35 kgs of rice at an astonishingly cheap price of Rs.2/- per kg.

At that time, it did seem like a revolutionary step to address the core needs of a wide section of the population that was facing hunger and malnutrition, those who could not otherwise generate enough to feed themselves.

In 2009, the scope of the scheme was expanded and in addition to the existing provisions, 7.17 lakh poorest among the BPL families, were allocated 35 kgs of rice at an extremely subsidised rate of Re.1/- per kg.

Today, Chhattisgarh has an enviable track record in Food Security, hinging on the PDS. What has made this happen? The answer lies in the policy response, which has been sensitive and focusing entirely on how to extend the maximum cover to those who are in dire need. The fund allocations have followed and not the converse, which would tailor-make the PDS according to the funds available.

What is important to recognise is the several crucial steps along the way leading to a system, which was inclusive in the widest possible sense. The decision of the state government to include the families enumerated in the Central Government survey in the year 2002 and the urban BPL families, listed in the 1997 survey was a step in this direction.

Yet another lot of 3.96 lakh poor families, listed in the urban survey in the year 2008, and 8.03 lakh BPL families, finding mention in survey of 1991 and 1997, who were excluded in the 2002 BPL survey were also covered.

The net has been cast wide so as to not miss out anyone who is poor, deserving and in dire need of the support for ensuring food security. The government extended the scheme to 1.45 lakh extremely poor families, listed in the Antyodaya Yojna, 2.15 lakh old age citizens and 44,000 destitute persons covered under Old Age Pension and Social Security Scheme.

In all, more than 37 lakh poor families in Chhattisgarh have been brought under the umbrella of this scheme, a notable step indeed. All of this has been augmented by a corresponding commitment of financial resources with the state government allocated a massive budget of Rs. 300 core in the 2007-08 fiscal. This was boosted to Rs 439 crore allocated in the budget in the year 2009.

It is not about intent alone but the implementation. This is really the litmus test. For we have seen time and again, that lofty schemes have had to bite dust in the face of leaky delivery mechanisms, pilferages and a lack of accountability along the implementation chain.

The PDS functioning in Chhattisgarh seems to have successfully sidestepped these loopholes. The supply of foodgrain was monitored though the use of satellite-based information technology which ensured a degree of transparency in the system. What has been encouraged is community participation in keeping the system accountable.

Village level monitoring committees were formed to ensure that the foodgrains are distributed to the genuine cardholders. To ensure that the public is fully in the picture, specially designed website for this scheme has been uploaded giving every single record. Any individual could get information regarding the movement of the vehicle supplying foodgrain to designated PDS outlets through SMS or E-mail to the authorities.

The message is loud and clear for the poor in Chhattisgarh. Whether they live in forested areas deeply affected by conflict or in relatively peaceful areas, they have the assurance that their bellies will be full. Much more of course needs to be done in terms of development in a state, which has been deeply scarred by left-wing extremism.

The Charkha Development Communication network feels that policy initiatives and public participation needs to converge in many such initiatives to give the people in this tribal state a better deal. By Vibhash Kumar Jha (ANI)