CHENNAI, June 30: The State Planning Commission has said that the operation of the public distribution system is an 'economic activity' and can be done well by institutions which handle such works. This suggestion is contrary to the demands of the political parties that the operation and maintenance of fair price shops should be entrusted to the rural local bodies. The Commission has in its report submitted to the government said that the part-time FP shops can be entrusted to village panchayats that come forward to operate and maintain them.

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