Assam floods, Maggi 2-minute noodles and a humble proposal

Sad news from the North East, Assam is looking at a very grim flood situation. Though not nearly as bad as Bihar, the situation is bad enough. It does not help that resources are stretched thin across several troubled zones: Orissa, Bihar and now Assam.

We appeal to media and bloggers to not politicize the floods. Much damage has been done already and we are as guilty as any other. But then again, it is a moot point. The flood in Assam means they will dramatically reduce flood coverage.

Amid all this hopelessness, a curious piece of news came to our notice. The Health Ministry has decided to distribute Maggi 2-Minute Noodle packages. True to his style, Dr. Ramadoss has done something no one would normally think of. This is a brilliant move. Thank you, Doctor.

Here is why. Perhaps the key to fixing all our PDS mess lies in this. Think about the fundamental issue of PDS - that of pilferage of food grains. Just like any other socialistic scheme, the goods do not reach the intended recipients (Rajiv Gandhi estimate: 15%, Rahul Gandhi estimate: 5%). Some people have suggested reforming the PDS by introducing vouchers. But this will not be adequate to fix the leakage issue. As long as the food distributed by PDS has an open market value, it will be looted.

If the PDS really has a social function, it is to ensure that food reaches the most needy, starving people. The Government should replace normal food distribution and introduce a substitute packaged food that is not very appealing, at a nominal price. Call it Denatured Nutrition Program. The direct impact of this will be that no one will pilfer food that has no open market value. Only people facing hunger will buy this food.

Perhaps this is as silly an idea as any other, but no sillier than the idea of PDS in the first place.