Main Article Content
Abstract
This article studies the effectiveness of PDS and its impact on BPL families. Public Distribution System aims at protecting the vulnerable sections of the society by encompassing them in the distribution network. PDS is mainly to provide service to the vulnerable society by ensuring food substance at affordable price. The persistent weaknesses observed in FCI operations are a clear symptom of over-centralization. Another problem with the PDS, is the amount of leakages of food grains and other commodities in the form of losses in the transport and storage and diversions to the free market. This kind of problem arises in a wide variety of contexts. The PDS is not equipped with the proper storage and transportation facilities. The government should provide transportation to depot holder for taking ration from the district/regional stores to the FPSs so that there can be check on the corrupt activities while transportation. The state govt. should construct more storage godowns with involvement of local bodies. Late arrival of food grains at FPS is an important constraint in the timely distribution of PDS grains. The doorstep delivery to retail outlets must be done in a transparent manner, the FPS-wise information on delivery and receipt should be computerized at the block level for onward transmission and monitoring.