Bhubaneswar, March 14 (IANS): Odisha has opposed the central government's proposal for providing money to the beneficiaries instead of rice and wheat under the Public Distribution System (PDS), said an official on Saturday.

The government opposed the recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee which includes introduction of direct cash transfer to replace PDS for the below poverty line (BPL) families.

The issue was also discussed in the assembly.

"The state government cannot accept this proposal of giving money directly to the beneficiaries through cash transfer instead of rice and wheat. The rural economy of the state will crumble if recommendations of the Committee are implemented," said Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma, while replying during the discussion on demand for grants of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department.

An official of the department said the state government has already expressed its unwillingness to the central government.

Stating that PDS is closely linked to procurement of paddy, Sanjay Das Burma also said introduction of direct transfer will fully destroy the system.