Fighting hunger

Sir, - It is deplorable that while there is surplus foodgrain stock, people in some areas of Orissa should die of hunger. In 1982, there was a severe drought in some Bihar districts and the State Government hit upon a simple scheme to prevent starvation deaths. A bag of rice was kept with the panchayat chief in each scarcity-hit district. It was his responsibility to see that rice was made available to the needy. The stock of rice would be replenished when necessary. Though the scheme had drawbacks, it prevented starvation deaths, because no case could escape the notice of the villagers and their chief who would be personally responsible. Such a scheme could be tried out in times of drought.

A. Umakantha Sarma,

(Retired Chief Secretary, Bihar), Hyderabad

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