Future Group to help modernize public distribution system in Rajasthan

In a first, the Kishore Biyani-led Future Consumer Enterprise Ltd (FCEL) has tied up with the Rajasthan government to run 5,000 fair price shops, two dailies have reported. This is the first time that a private company has tied up with a state government to help manage the public distribution system.

The new arrangement, to be branded Annapurna Bhandar, and will attempt to moderise the public distribution system.

Initially, the arrangement will likely be rolled out at six outlets in the state. These fair price shops will now get branded consumer products from Future Group's portfolio, over and above the grains, vegetables, sugar, and so on, that was already on sale at PDS outlets.  

Future Group is expected to sign an agreement with Rajasthan State Food & Civil Supplies Corp (RSFCSC) in this regard on Thursday, in the presense of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. The Rajasthan Government had issued a tender for the arrangement, and Future Group emerged as the successful bidder.