Ranchi, Feb 10 (PTI) Independent MP Inder Singh Namdhari today echoed the views of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on the proposed Food Security Act (FSA) saying it is not feasible to implement it unless the public distribution system (PDS) is strengthened effectively. "I share the concerns of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who predicted what would be the fate of the FSA without an effective PDS," Namdhari told PTI. Pawar had on Wednesday said implementation of the proposed FSA would be difficult with the existing distribution system and feared it would not succeed in achieving its goal in letter and spirit if pushed through the existing PDS apparatus. "Without an effective system, the FSA could be another source for corruption as being witnessed in MG-NREGA and National Rural Health Mission schemes...it is better to ensure proper implementation of schemes under other welfare projects to bring people under food safety," argued Namdhari, who represents Lok Sabha from Jharkhand's Chatra constituency. The FSA, which aims to provide legal entitlement for subsidised food grains to 63.5 per cent of the country's population, has been referred to the Standing Committee of Parliament.
