Install PoS machines by end of month, Khader tells PDS operators

Install PoS machines by end of month, Khader tells PDS operators

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 13,2017: Public distribution system (PDS) operators will have to install point of sale (PoS) machines, which enhance transparency, by the end of this month, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader said on Tuesday.

“If it is found that the operators have not installed PoS machines despite having adequate internet connectivity, the department itself would install the same and deduct the cost from operators’ commission,” Mr. Khader told reporters here.

Exception could be given to operators who are in remote areas; but their numbers are very small, the Minister said.

As on date, about 60% operators across the State have installed PoS machines, with Dakshina Kannada at 96%. Ramanagara has achieved just 26% and it cannot be said that the district does not have internet penetration, Mr. Khader noted.

Installation would be done through a government approved agency, which would also facilitate provision for over 20 other government services, including bus and train booking, and such other services.

Under state government’s Anila Bhagya scheme, the Department is planning to offer two free gas refills in addition to free LPG connection, free stove and free first refill. A proposal would be placed before the cabinet soon, Mr. Khader said.

The government would launch a programme to provide title deeds to the beneficiaries of Akrama-Sakrama on government lands at Udupi on Thursday.

Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa would hand over Hakku Patras to nearly 2,000 beneficiaries under Sections 94C and 94CC of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 in rural and urban areas respectively.

Mr. Khader said title deeds had not been given after the S.M. Krishna government and hence the number of applicants is more. The penalty for regularisation is meagre and the beneficiary has to pay it instead of waiting for some ‘waiver’ in future. If the beneficiaries miss the opportunity this time for non-payment of penalty, they might have to wait for long to get the unauthorised land occupation regularised, he cautioned.

Mr. Khader said the government would sign a memorandum of understanding with Mangaluru-based Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre for Mentally Challenged to offer skill-based training to endosulfan-affected children on Wednesday.

An unused government building at Ujire in Belthangady taluk would be used for the purpose with the support of funds raised by a news television channel, the Minister added.