OMS, VGF programmes stuttering

Now the stoppage of the OMS programme could give the hoarders the time to sell the huge stockpiles of rice. And the people in desperate need of buying rice at a lower price will have to suffer until the programme is started again.

The government's plan to tackle the rice price hike by adopting counter steps at three levels i.e. OMS, introduction of village rationing and vulnerable group feeding (VGF) has been a timely one as reports of acute food crisis have been pouring in from some northern districts. But the delay in launching the OMS could turn out to be self-defeating as people are not getting the opportunity to buy rice at a lower price. The village rationing system targets a huge number of people, but this programme will also take at least a week to begin, as cards have not yet been prepared. So the idea of seeing people through their worst period was all right, but it has to be implemented in time to bring succour to the poor.

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Rice distribution under the VGF programme has started in some districts. But there have been reports of irregularities in the distribution system. Obviously, the aim is to help the poor. But if , as the reports suggest, the comparatively better off people get the cards, the whole exercise will be a futile one. The authorities concerned have to make sure that the poorest of the poor are benefited by the programme. They have to probe the reported allegation that even some bona fide card holders did not get rice under the programme.

The government has to ensure that the programmes taken up to counter the ill effects of soaring rice prices are not politicised in any way, or manipulated by any quarters to achieve any goal, other than helping the poor and the needy.