In my book “Corruption in India,” (Free to download available at http://thenationoftenrivers.com/book-launch/ ) I estimated total annual bribe amounts in India around Rs 200000 crore. Seems I grossly underestimated.
According to a report published in the Indian Express today, thefts from PDS alone amounts to Rs 48000 crore!
This is just one scheme.
Report makes many other interesting revelations also. Cost of FCI operations is equal to MSP of the grain. That is, cost of foodgrains to the consumers doubles from procurement point to the consumption point. Government does everything very inefficiently.
That is why FDI in retail is being opposed.
The reports also states that technological measures like GPS in PDS trucks, etc., have failed to stop the theft. In the book, I have stated that it is only a matter of time before the corrupt find a way round any new technological measure.
The only way to eradicate corruption is complete separation of the economy and state.
Scrap PDS.
Read the whole report here.
