PDS to offer over 500 branded products

Darjeeling: More than 500 branded products, including oil, soaps, shampoos and toothpaste will shortly be available through the Public Distribution System (PDS), that too at a 25% lesser cost.

The products will be available throughout the state and are mainly aimed at benefitting the rural areas. This has already commenced in North 24-Parganas and is to be implemented soon in 7 districts, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

"The state government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Future Group, during the Bengal Global Summit in Kolkata. The Future Group will make 500 branded products available through the PDS, that too at a 25% lesser cost," stated Jyotipriyo Mullick, minister in charge of Food and Supplies.

The minister held a meeting with PDS dealers and officials at Uttarkanya, the mini Secretariat in Jalpaiguri on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, good quality packaged atta is now being distributed in the Hills. "This atta is being packaged in the local mills. However, we have got a system in place to check whether the atta is adulterated in any way. CCTVs are fitted in the mills and there are food inspectors deputed to oversee operations on a rotation basis," stated the minister.

"The distribution of pending ration cards in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts will be completed soon," stated the minister.

Distribution of around 64,000 ration cards is pending in the two districts, including 17,000 in the plains of Siliguri.