Question

Elaborate the Public Distribution System.

Answer 1

The increase in food grain production need not result in increase in access to food for all. Given the unequal distribution of income and the level of poverty that persists in Indian economy, the government took steps to distribute food grains at subsidized rates through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The nature, scope, and functioning of PDS varies from state to state. While Tamil Nadu has adopted an ‘Universal’ PDS, the rest of the states in India had a ‘Targeted’ PDS.

Under universal PDS all the family ration cardholders are entitled to the supplies from PDS. In the targeted PDS, the beneficiaries are identified based on certain criteria and given their entitlements, leaving out the rest. Both the Union and the State governments subsidized the supplies distributed through PDS. The level and quantum of subsidy also varied across states.