How can public distribution system be improved in India?

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 further broadened the scope of PDS by raising the level of subsidies, expanding coverage, and emphasizing demand, especially in the choice of the food basket. Yet, the PDS has been plagued with charges of corruption, overpricing and delivery of low-quality grains.

Could you suggest some more ways of improving the public distribution system?

1. There must be a strong vigilance squad to detect and expose the corruption and people encouraging it. 2. Intense punishment and penalties must be imposed on the people exploiting the system.

How does the public distribution system ensure food security in India?

The public distribution system (PDS) distributes subsidised food and non-food items to India’s poor . major commodities distributed included staple food grains, such as wheat, rice , sugar and kerosene, through a network of fair price shops also known as ration shops established in several states .

What are the problems of public distribution system in India?

In general, the public distribution system has following limitations. Identification of poor by the states is not fool proof. A large number of poor and needy persons are left out and a lot of fake cards are also issued. Fair Price Shop owner gets fake Ration cards and sell the food grains in the open market.

How do public distribution systems work in India?

The Central and State Governments share responsibilities in order to provide food grains to the identified beneficiaries. The centre procures food grains from farmers at a minimum support price (MSP) and sells it to states at central issue prices. It is responsible for transporting the grains to godowns in each state.

What is the basic objective of public distribution system in India?

The objectives of the Public Distribution System are as follows: To protect the low income groups by guaranteeing the supply of certain minimum quantities of food grains at affordable price. Ensuring equitable distribution. Controlling the price rise of Essential Commodities in the open market.

How does PDS system works in India?

PDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State/UT Governments. The Central Government, through Food Corporation of India (FCI), has assumed the responsibility for procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of food grains to the State Governments.

How does public distribution system ensure food security in India explain?

What are the problems faced by public distribution system?

PDS faces challenges like leakages and diversion of food-grains, inclusion/exclusion errors; fake and bogus ration cards; lack of transparency; weak grievance redressal and social audit mechanisms, viability of Fair Price Shops, etc.