Daily Current Affairs : 9-January-2025

The Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a vital role in ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of society have access to subsidized food grains. However, recent reports from states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar have highlighted several issues within the system, particularly affecting marginalized communities such as the Musahars. These challenges include exclusion, inefficiency, and exploitation, which prevent these communities from accessing essential food supplies.

Exclusion from Ration Cards

One of the most pressing issues in the PDS is the exclusion of millions from receiving ration cards. Over 5.8 crore ration cards were removed due to the ongoing digitization process, Aadhaar seeding, and e-KYC requirements. As a result, many individuals are left without access to essential food supplies, which further deepens their vulnerability. For communities like the Musahars in Bihar, the problem is even more severe, as they often face difficulties in meeting the documentation demands and overcoming digital barriers.

Corruption and Inefficiency in Distribution

Another significant issue plaguing the PDS is corruption at the Fair Price Shops (FPS). Several reports have pointed to instances where FPS owners distribute lower quantities of food grains or poor-quality rice to beneficiaries. This not only compromises the nutritional value of the food but also violates the principles of the system, which is supposed to serve the poor.

Moreover, in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, there is an overwhelming demand for excessive documentation. This violates the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which clearly stipulates that food distribution should be based on need, not on bureaucratic hurdles.

Historical Context and Evolution of PDS

The Public Distribution System was established in India during the inter-war period and gained prominence in the 1960s, primarily to address food shortages. Over time, the PDS expanded to rural and poverty-stricken areas with the introduction of the Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) in 1992. Today, the system serves over 80 crore people through more than 5.4 lakh FPS across the country.

Structure of PDS

  • Central Government: Responsible for procurement, storage, and bulk allocation through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
  • State Governments: Handle the distribution of food to beneficiaries via FPS.
Challenges Faced by PDS

The PDS faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness:

  • Exclusion Errors: The reliance on Aadhaar-based authentication and digitization has excluded many people, especially marginalized communities.
  • Leakages and Corruption: Approximately 28% of food grains are lost due to theft and inefficiency in the system.
  • Limited Nutritional Focus: The PDS primarily offers staple foods like rice and wheat, neglecting other essential nutrients.
  • Infrastructure Issues: Poor storage, inadequate transportation, and ineffective monitoring systems undermine the efficiency of the PDS.
  • Mismanagement: Over-coverage has led to inefficiencies, where resources do not reach those who need them the most.
Government Measures to Improve PDS

To address these challenges, the government has taken several steps:

  • Digitization: The government has implemented Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC to ensure targeted delivery and reduce duplication.
  • Point-of-Sale (PoS) Machines: These machines have been installed at FPS to monitor transactions and curb leakages.
  • National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: This act aims to cover 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations, ensuring subsidized food grains to a large number of people.
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): During the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme provided free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries.
  • Technology Integration: The government has also introduced real-time tracking, inventory management, and improved supply chain systems to enhance efficiency.
Important Points
  • Exclusion from Ration Cards:
    • Over 5.8 crore ration cards removed due to digitization, Aadhaar seeding, and e-KYC requirements.
    • Marginalized communities, like the Musahars in Bihar, struggle with enrollment due to documentation and digital barriers.
  • Corruption in Distribution:
    • Reports of Fair Price Shops (FPS) distributing lower quantities or poor-quality food grains.
    • Instances of corruption in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, demanding excessive documentation violating NFSA, 2013.
  • PDS Evolution:
    • Established in the inter-war period, expanded in the 1960s to address food shortages.
    • Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) introduced in 1992 to serve rural poverty zones.
  • PDS Structure:
    • Central Government: Procurement, storage, and bulk allocation via Food Corporation of India (FCI).
    • State Governments: Distribution to beneficiaries through Fair Price Shops (FPS).
  • Challenges in PDS:
    • Exclusion Errors: Aadhaar-based authentication and digitization exclude many, particularly marginalized groups.
    • Leakages and Corruption: Around 28% of food grains fail to reach beneficiaries due to inefficiency and theft.
    • Limited Nutritional Focus: PDS mainly offers rice and wheat, neglecting other essential nutrients.
    • Infrastructure Issues: Poor storage, transportation, and monitoring hinder PDS effectiveness.
    • Mismanagement: Over-coverage leads to inefficiency and misuse, with resources not reaching the truly needy.
  • Government Measures:
    • Digitization: Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC to ensure targeted delivery and reduce duplication.
    • PoS Machines: Installed at FPS to track transactions and prevent leakages.
    • National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: Covers 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations for subsidized food grains.
    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Provided free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries during COVID-19.
    • Technology Integration: Real-time tracking, inventory management, and improved supply chain systems to enhance PDS efficiency.
Why In News

Recent reports from states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar highlight the challenges of exclusion, inefficiency, and exploitation within the Public Distribution System (PDS), severely affecting marginalized communities such as the Musahars, who often face barriers in accessing their entitled food supplies due to inadequate documentation, digital illiteracy, and systemic corruption.

MCQs about Challenges in the Public Distribution System (PDS)
  1. What is one of the major reasons for the exclusion of many people from the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
    A. Lack of interest in the PDS
    B. Digital barriers and documentation requirements
    C. Overabundance of food grains
    D. Inefficient food storage facilities
    Correct Answer: B. Digital barriers and documentation requirements
    Explanation: Over 5.8 crore ration cards were removed due to digitization, Aadhaar seeding, and e-KYC requirements, which created difficulties for marginalized communities, like the Musahars, to access their entitled food supplies.
  2. What has been reported regarding the distribution of food grains at Fair Price Shops (FPS)?
    A. FPS provide free food grains to all
    B. FPS distribute higher quantities of food grains than required
    C. FPS have been involved in corruption, distributing lower quantities or poor-quality food
    D. FPS have improved the quality of food grains
    Correct Answer: C. FPS have been involved in corruption, distributing lower quantities or poor-quality food
    Explanation: Instances of corruption have been reported at FPS, where food grains distributed are of poor quality or in lower quantities than required, affecting beneficiaries’ access to essential supplies.
  3. What is the main issue with the infrastructure in the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
    A. Excessive food storage space
    B. Lack of digital resources
    C. Poor storage, transportation, and monitoring systems
    D. High number of Fair Price Shops
    Correct Answer: C. Poor storage, transportation, and monitoring systems
    Explanation: Infrastructure issues, such as inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation, and ineffective monitoring systems, hinder the efficient implementation of the PDS.
  4. Which government initiative aims to provide free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
    A. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
    B. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
    C. Digital Ration Card Scheme
    D. Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS)
    Correct Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
    Explanation: The PMGKAY initiative was launched to provide free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring food security during tough times.

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