Landmark initiative: PDS provisions reach remote Tamil Nadu villages on horseback
DINDIGUL: In a landmark initiative, provision items from a public distribution system (PDS) shop under the Cooperative Department (Dindigul) were delivered to the doorstep of residents in Vellagavi village, Kodaikanal, for the first time. The drive launched on Friday has brought immense relief to 140 families.
PDS shop workers transported provisions from Kodaikanal to Vettakanal, a distance of 11 km and later deployed horses from Vettakanal to Vellagavi (5km) to deliver the items.
Speaking to TNIE, Former Vellagavi Panchayat President Purushotam Das said,"We are greatly delighted by the efforts of the Cooperative Department. Previously, we had to travel to Kodaikanal Town for rations, take a bus to Vattakanal, and then arrange horses to carry the supplies uphill to Vellagavi. The horse rides alone would cost between Rs 500 and Rs 700 per day, making the process financially burdensome," he said.
"The entire schedule was gruelling for us. Since, ration shop couldn't be relocated due to technical issues, around 140 families were upset and many avoided going to the PDS shop itself. We have been raising the issue to the higher officials, but response met for the past three decades," he added.
Kodaikanal Municipality Chairman, P Chelladurai, who launched the initiative said, "It is a dream come true for the villagers. Provisions from PDS shops are delivered at their doorstep using horses. These deliveries will be made once in a month for all those residents in remote areas without any charges. We have ensured that no cardholder is left out in any PDS shop that serves over 100 families."
District Supply Officer (Dindigul) K Anbalagan said,"This is the first time in Dindigul, the provision items are supplied to the remote village through horses. This was done with the coordinated efforts from the Cooperative Department along with the Civil Supplies Department. Based on the outcome, more villages will be included in Kodaikanal and other parts of Oddanchatram taluk soon."