Anbumani accuses DMK government of failing to fulfil promises on PDS reform

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday (June 26, 2025) condemned the ruling DMK for “failing” to fulfil poll promises pertaining to reforms in the Public Distribution System (PDS).

In a statement, he said Tamil Nadu currently has 37,328 ration shops operating under various departments, including Cooperatives and Food. This multi-departmental structure has led to disparities in work conditions, pay, and benefits for employees, he alleged.

The DMK, in its manifesto for the 2021 Assembly election, had promised to bring all ration shops under a single administrative department. “However, more than 50 months since assuming office, that promise remains unfulfilled. As a result, the hardships faced by ration shop employees continue unabated,” Dr. Anbumani said.

Referring to other poll promises of the DMK with respect to reforms in the PDS, such as distributing goods in packed bundles, resuming supply of black gram, and providing an extra kilogram of sugar, Dr. Anbumani said they have been “completely ignored”. He urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to immediately take steps to fulfil all the promises made by the DMK in the run-up to the 2021 Assembly poll.