Reporter's Diary: PDS gets on to the messaging platform

The only time in the recent past when ration card holders visited the public distribution outlets (PDS) was when officials announced it was mandatory for card holders (both white and green) to appear in person with the original Aadhaar card, as well as a copy of the original. The latter had to be submitted, along with mobile phone number details.

The visit by this reporter at that time did nothing to enhance the image of a PDS as a customer-friendly place. A number of middle class people told this reporter that the exercise was nothing but a waste of time. 

Standing in the long queue and inching closer to a dusty table in a poorly ventilated room, frayed tempers changed to one of laughter when one man said, “The only time Vijayakant won any brownie points in his political campaigns was when he said he would ensure there is door delivery of ration products. These people will never change, PDS is a relic.” Which is why, it came as a pleasant surprise when this reporter received an SMS, quoting the bill number and listing the items bought (measurement in brackets), and the bill total. They even signed off saying, ‘nandri’. 

If the State government keeps this up, the local ration shop’s new tech savvy avatar can give departmental stores a run for their money.