Tiruchy shop staff at receiving end of beneficiaries’ anger

“For the past 25 days, we have been giving the same response to the beneficiaries, which is making them angry. Some even pass abusive comments,” said a frustrated employee on condition of anonymity.

He added that the staff had informed senior officials about the problems, but were told to manage the situation till the company that supplied biometric machines rectified the glitches.

“The public are seemingly suspicious of us because we have been repeating the same response. We are not confident that the firm that distributed the equipment will rectify the problem. So we appeal the district administration to either address the issue at the earliest or advise us what to tell the people,” the employee added.

Most of the shops are able to supply ration only between 8 am and 10.30 am, which benefits only 20 persons. The remaining beneficiaries who leave disappointed after waiting for long blames the salespersons.

When contacted, Tiruchy District Supply Officer Anbalagan admitted that the biometric system was facing issues, due to which they have asked staff to work from 8 am. “Between 8 am and 10 am and 12.20 pm to 1.30 pm, there is full signal and the supply will not get affected. As these outlets function on all days, all card holders can avail commodities,” Anbalagan said.

Noting that mobile PDS outlets have started functioning from October 1, the official said there would not be any shortage.