Has the age limit for home delivery of PDS goods in Tamil Nadu changed?
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Synopsis
In a landmark decision, the Tamil Nadu government has lowered the age requirement for home delivery of PDS goods from 70 to 65 years. This change aims to ease access for senior citizens, ensuring they receive essential supplies without the hassle of traveling to stores.
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility age for PDS home delivery reduced to 65 years.
- Deliveries scheduled for the first weekend of each month.
- Aimed at assisting senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.
- Response to public demand for easier access to essential goods.
- Thousands more beneficiaries expected to benefit.
Chennai, Nov 1 (NationPress) In a significant move for senior citizens, the Tamil Nadu government has lowered the eligibility age for home delivery of essential goods under the Public Distribution System (PDS) from 70 years to 65 years. Officials from the Department of Cooperation stated that this decision was influenced by numerous public requests, advocating for extending this service to individuals aged 65 and above who often struggle to visit fair price shops.
As part of the updated schedule, the department will now deliver ration goods to qualified beneficiaries during the first week of every month—specifically on Saturdays and Sundays—rather than the previously designated second week.
Starting this November, deliveries will occur on November 3 and 4, with similar arrangements set for subsequent months.
Officials mentioned that this change aims to enhance the efficiency of the scheme and assure the timely delivery of items to elderly and differently-abled cardholders. Past delays and logistical issues had deterred many beneficiaries from opting for home delivery, they added.
The home delivery initiative, originally designed for senior citizens above 70 years and persons with disabilities (PwDs), initially catered to 20.42 lakh elderly individuals and 1.27 lakh PwDs.
However, officials revealed that approximately 8 percent of those registered were found to be deceased, necessitating a revision of the database.
"With the age limit now adjusted to 65 years, the updated list will encompass more beneficiaries, including those whose names were unintentionally omitted earlier. The final list will be prepared in the upcoming months," stated a senior department official.
Officials also observed that the tepid response to the initiative in recent months stemmed from various factors, including distribution delays and beneficiary migration to different districts.
The government anticipates that the new delivery schedule and broadened eligibility criteria will help rectify these issues and boost participation. The PDS home delivery scheme was launched to facilitate doorstep delivery of essential commodities like rice, sugar, wheat, and kerosene to elderly citizens and PwDs who cannot visit ration shops in person.
With this latest adjustment, thousands of additional beneficiaries throughout Tamil Nadu are expected to gain from the initiative.
Point of View
I believe this change reflects a responsive governance approach, addressing the challenges faced by senior citizens and differently-abled individuals in accessing essential goods. It underscores the importance of inclusivity and ensures that vulnerable populations receive timely support. This initiative is a commendable step towards enhancing the lives of those who often find themselves isolated due to mobility issues.
NationPress
01/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new age limit for PDS home delivery in Tamil Nadu?
The new age limit for home delivery of PDS goods in Tamil Nadu has been lowered to 65 years.
When will the deliveries be made?
Deliveries will now occur during the first weekend of every month, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays.
Why was the age limit changed?
The age limit was changed to accommodate requests from the public and to assist more senior citizens who face challenges in accessing fair price shops.
How many beneficiaries are expected to benefit from this change?
Thousands of additional beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu are expected to benefit from the expanded eligibility criteria.
What types of goods are included in the home delivery scheme?
The home delivery scheme includes essential commodities such as rice, sugar, wheat, and kerosene.
