PDS shops in suburban areas not open after 1 pm, card holders suffer

Tambaram, Perungulathur and surrounding areas have a total of 598 PDS outlets and each dispensary serves a total of around 2,000 families. As per norms, PDS shops should be kept open every working day between 9 am and 7 pm with a 40-minute lunch break, during when the shop is expected to remain open and the staff take turns.

Official sources said that at least 50 per cent of card holders regularly buy groceries from these outlets every month. However, residents complain that PDS items are not being distributed after 1 pm and the staff often ask them to return the next day.

Also, on most occasions, several items are not provided and the consumers are asked to come again later.

R Meenaa, a resident of Perungalathur, said, “Since we do not get the rationed items after 1 pm, people are forced to come early and stand in line to buy the items. Most of the time, we are sent back home by staff who claim the billing machine is not functional.” Several other people spoken to by DT Next demanded that authorities install and monitor CCTV cameras to ensure the proper functioning of all ration shops.

When contacted, a senior official of the civil supplies department said, “The billing machine often malfunctions, but we provide an alternative machine soon after we receive the complaint. The items should be provided to the public from 9 am till 5 pm while the remaining two hours are to be used for stock taking. In case of violation, complaints can be lodged against the particular shop and action will be taken.”