There have of late been many complaints against the public distribution system's ration shops. The employees reported to sell rice, sugar, pulses and other commodities meant for distribution to the cardholders for a higher price in the open market.

A survey would show that these ration shops are usually located in small, poorly-lit buildings. The employees also apparently move commodities, even to their houses, as the ration shops do not have sufficient storage space.

To curb malpractices that begin here, all ration shops should be relocated to spacious premises and the commodities weighed, packaged and sealed. Surprise-checks should be conducted by the authorities and the guilty summarily dismissed. These measures will check pilferage, theft and other types of malpractices resorted to at ration shops.

Tharcius S. Fernando

Chennai

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