New Delhi, July 25: Government said today a Chief Ministers meeting would be held shortly to discuss the problems coming in the way of smooth implementation of Public Distribution System. Briefing reporters on the 150 minute all party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Sharad Yadav said some members had suggested introduction of a "universal public distribution system" that would be free of all problems besetting the prevailing system.

This was sought to be undertaken through merger of PDS for Above Poverty Line (APL) people and that for Below Poverty Line people, Yadav said.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had said that notwithstanding the increase in allocation of foodgrains, the deficit in offtake, particularly under the BPL category and in the food deficit and drought-affected states, has emerged as a major problem. According to a member who attended the meeting, it was suggested that the antodaya, the APL and BPL PDS systems should be merged to get rid of the problems of classification.

"It was felt that the poor should be made available adequate foodgrains and nutritious food", the member said.

Bureau Report