How far has India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) been successful in reducing food insecurity through the subsidised distribution of essentials? Evaluate. Also, Elaborate on the reforms needed in PDS.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Q5. How far has India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) been successful in reducing food insecurity through the subsidised distribution of essentials? Evaluate. Also, Elaborate on the reforms needed in PDS. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India

Why the question: The 2022-23 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) has sparked interest in how free PDS food items affect spending on non-foodgrain items. Key Demand of the question: To write about the PDS, how it helps the poor and reforms that are needed. Directive word: Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context of PDS and its role in delivery of food grains. Body: In the first part, mention how PDS is helping poor.E.g., The PDS provides subsidized food, reducing food insecurity and freeing up resources for the poor to spend on other essentials. Next cite bottlenecks, limitations and shortcomings with respect to PDS in India. Cite statistics and reports to substantiate your points. Next, write about the steps that are required to ensure a seamless supply chain to overcome hunger and malnutrition. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

Why the question:

The 2022-23 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) has sparked interest in how free PDS food items affect spending on non-foodgrain items.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the PDS, how it helps the poor and reforms that are needed.

Directive word:

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context of PDS and its role in delivery of food grains.

In the first part, mention how PDS is helping poor.E.g., The PDS provides subsidized food, reducing food insecurity and freeing up resources for the poor to spend on other essentials.

Next cite bottlenecks, limitations and shortcomings with respect to PDS in India. Cite statistics and reports to substantiate your points.

Next, write about the steps that are required to ensure a seamless supply chain to overcome hunger and malnutrition.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.