Vasundhara Raje's pioneering reform: Rajasthan ties up with Future group to run PDS

The Rajasthan government on Thursday entered into an agreement with Future Consumer Enterprise Ltd (FCEL) to modernise the public distribution system (PDS) by providing multi-brand consumer goods at competitive prices to public through fair price shops.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje launched the initiative, “Annapurna Bhandar Yojna”, a public private partnership (PPP) scheme touted as the first of its kind in the country after Rajasthan State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation and FCEL signed an agreement at the chief minister’s office here.

“Annapurna Bhandar Yojna would strengthen government’s effort in bringing about a positive change and bettering the daily lives of the people of Rajasthan,” Raje said in a statement, adding she hoped that this would become India’s biggest entrepreneurship drive with 5,000 FPS dealers turning into entrepreneurs.

Future Group CEO Kishore Biyani said: “We are committed to take the benefits of modern retail through the fair prices shops to the common people of Rajasthan.”

‘Annapurna Bhandar Yojna’ launched as a PPP between Rajasthan Food & Civil Supplies Corporation & the Future group. pic.twitter.com/dFCPgmf7hD

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) August 20, 2015

#Annapurna - pioneering initiative in Public Distribution System to provide quality products in the remotest areas at the cheapest prices.

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) August 20, 2015

#Annapurna Stores will have both PDS & common consumer items – almost like a mini mall!

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) August 20, 2015

Enthused about this innovative concept – every citizen should have access to quality commodities –- a sense of self-respect and dignity!

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) August 20, 2015

According to a report in The Hindustan Times, PDS shops will be run as a public-private partnership and is a first of its kind initiative in the country.

With inputs from IANS