Hindu Editorial Analysis : 12-November-2024
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a crucial program designed to provide subsidised food grains to India’s poor population. However, despite its noble goals, the system faces significant challenges, including leakages, inefficiencies, and corruption. These issues hinder its ability to provide food security and reduce poverty for millions of Indians.
Historical Background and Structure of PDS
The PDS was first introduced during the inter-war period but became more prominent in the 1960s due to severe food shortages. Initially, it focused on urban areas facing food scarcity but later expanded to rural regions with high poverty rates. Over time, the system has evolved, with key reforms such as the Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) in 1992.
The PDS operates under the joint responsibility of the Central and State Governments. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) manages procurement, storage, and transportation, while state governments distribute food through Fair Price Shops (FPS). The system provides essential items such as rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene to nearly 800 million people.
Key Issues with the Current PDS
- High Leakage: One of the most significant problems with the PDS is food leakage. Around 28% of the food grains intended for beneficiaries do not reach them. This amounts to a financial loss of ₹69,108 crore annually.
- Corruption and Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: The leakages are caused by corruption at various levels and inefficiencies in monitoring and supervision.
- Nutritional Security: The PDS mainly focuses on providing staple foods like rice and wheat, which do not meet the nutritional needs of all beneficiaries, particularly children under five years of age.
- Inefficiencies in Coverage: While the PDS aims to cover 57% of the population, many people still face difficulties accessing food grains due to systemic inefficiencies.
Government Initiatives to Improve the PDS
Several government schemes aim to address the shortcomings of the PDS:
- National Food Security Act (NFSA): Enacted in 2013, this Act aims to provide subsidised food grains to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. It has helped reduce leakages in states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme provides free food grains to over 81 crore beneficiaries. It has been extended until 2024.
- PM POSHAN Scheme: Focuses on improving the nutritional status of children by providing nutritious meals in schools.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Targets the poorest households, providing highly subsidised food grains to those most in need.
Key Reforms and Future Directions
To address the challenges facing the PDS, several reforms are proposed:
- Technological Integration: The introduction of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines can help reduce leakages and increase transparency.
- Targeted Subsidies: Instead of offering free food to everyone, subsidies can be more targeted to the most vulnerable groups, with nominal charges for others.
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): A shift to cash transfers or food vouchers can provide beneficiaries with more flexibility and reduce dependency on physical distribution systems.
- Enhanced Nutritional Security: Expanding the range of subsidised items to include pulses, millets, and other nutrient-rich foods will improve the overall health and nutrition of the population.
- Supply Chain Management: The use of technology for inventory management and real-time tracking of food grains can reduce inefficiencies and corruption.
Why In News
Despite the noble objectives of the Public Distribution System (PDS), it has been plagued by significant leakages, corruption, and administrative inefficiencies, which undermine its effectiveness and the food security of millions of Indians, leaving many of the most vulnerable populations without adequate access to essential food supplies.
MCQs about Public Distribution System (PDS) in India: Challenges and Reforms
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What is the primary goal of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?
A. To promote agricultural exports
B. To provide subsidized food grains to the poor
C. To reduce food production
D. To improve the quality of food grains
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What percentage of food grains intended for beneficiaries is lost due to leakages in the PDS system?
A. 10%
B. 28%
C. 45%
D. 50%
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Which of the following government initiatives aims to improve the nutritional status of children in government schools?
A. National Food Security Act (NFSA)
B. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
C. PM POSHAN Scheme
D. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
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Which technological measure has been introduced to reduce leakages in the PDS system?
A. Biometric Authentication and Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines
B. GPS tracking of food trucks
C. Automated food grain packaging
D. Use of drones for food distribution
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