Today, though, things are very different ever since the public distribution system (PDS) in the state has been streamlined.

Chhattisgarh’s PDS model — which introduced a string of measures to eliminate middlemen, and extensively uses information technology to track movement of food supplies – is being run by village panchayats, cooperative societies and women self-help groups. Their combined effort has cut down pilferage and ensured that ration supplies percolate down to the very end of the food chain — to the poorest of the poor.

In fact, the Supreme Court recently asked the Centre to study the efficacy of the model and report on whether it can be implemented in other states – a testimony to the impact that the revised model seems to have made.

“The benefit of our distribution system is that it reaches 1000% of the population. While similar models in other states are still in the pilot stage, we have rapidly streamlined ours into an effective system”, says Vikas Sheel, the state’s principal secretary (food and civil supplies) with more than a hint of pride.

Observers say that pushing the PDS was a priority of the Raman Singh government which brought out a legislation— the Chhattisgarh Food Security Act— long before the Centre’s much-mulled over National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The results of the decisive political leg up given to the scheme are clearly visible. It has managed to reach deep into rural areas even in Maoist-infested territory. Official sources say that almost 54,49,880 people are benefiting from it, receiving their monthly ration quota of 35 kg of rice, sugar, free packets of salt, kerosene and oil.

The backbone of the system are the numerous mahila mandals or women self-help groups who run fair price shops in various localities. “A group of 10 women in each fair price shop spends eight hours a day in distribution of grains along with providing training to other women in stitching, computers and other self-employment jobs,” says Roshni Sahu, a member of Kendri’s primary agriculture cooperative society.

The use of technology has also played a key role. Automated allotment, web-based application at distribution centres and truck dispatch information through SMS are some of the measures through which the infrastructure was strengthened.

“For ensuring transparency and community participation, trucks painted yellow with the PDS mark, a call centre and citizen portal as well a ‘chawal utsav’ (rice festival) on the 7th of every month were introduced,” adds Sheel.