Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is India’s largest food security net, aimed at providing subsidized food grains to the poor. Recognizing shortcomings in the traditional PDS, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was introduced in 2000. TPDS aims to direct benefits to intended beneficiaries, reducing leakages and improving efficiency. However, concerns regarding inclusion/exclusion errors and corruption have persisted. Recent years have witnessed a concerted effort to leverage technology and policy changes to enhance transparency and accountability within the TPDS framework, a critical aspect of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
What is Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)?
TPDS is a modified version of the PDS. It aims to provide food grains and other essential commodities at subsidized rates to targeted groups of beneficiaries identified through the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) categories. The primary objective is to ensure food security and nutritional support to vulnerable sections of the population while minimizing wastage and leakages prevalent in the earlier universal PDS system.
Key features of TPDS include:
- Targeting: Identification of beneficiaries based on poverty lines.
- Subsidized Rates: Providing grains at prices significantly lower than market rates.
- State-Specific Ration Cards: Ration cards are issued by respective state governments.
- Multiple Channels: Distribution through Fair Price Shops (FPSs), also known as ration shops.
Measures to Increase Transparency in TPDS
Several measures have been implemented to improve transparency and accountability in TPDS. These can be broadly categorized as technological interventions, grievance redressal mechanisms, and legal/policy changes.
1. Technological Interventions
- Aadhaar Enabled Public Distribution System (AE-PDS): Linking ration cards with Aadhaar numbers aims to eliminate ghost beneficiaries and reduce duplication. This uses biometric authentication for grain disbursement.
- Electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) Machines: FPSs are equipped with e-PoS machines that record the biometric attendance of beneficiaries and the quantity of food grains issued. This data is uploaded to a central server, creating a digital audit trail.
- National Food Security Portal: This portal provides information on TPDS, grievance registration, and beneficiary details.
- Mobile Applications: Several state governments have developed mobile applications for beneficiaries to check their entitlements, locate FPSs, and register grievances.
- DigiLocker Integration: Integration with DigiLocker allows beneficiaries to digitally store and share their ration card details.
2. Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
- National Consumer Helpline (NCH): Beneficiaries can lodge complaints regarding irregularities in TPDS through the NCH.
- State-Level Grievance Redressal Fora: Many states have established dedicated forums for resolving TPDS-related grievances.
- Online Grievance Redressal Portals: State governments have created online portals where beneficiaries can register and track their complaints.
- Social Audit: Independent agencies conduct social audits of FPSs to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.
3. Legal and Policy Changes
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: This Act provides a legal framework for food security, including entitlements for beneficiaries and mechanisms for grievance redressal. It mandates transparency in TPDS operations.
- Food Security (Amendment) Rules, 2023: These rules aim to improve the efficiency and transparency of the TPDS by promoting digitization and reducing reliance on physical records.
- Centralized Monitoring System: The Department of Food and Public Distribution monitors the performance of TPDS across states using data from e-PoS machines and other sources.
- Strengthening FPS Dealers' Accountability: Measures to ensure FPS dealers adhere to guidelines and avoid malpractices.
Comparison: Old PDS vs. TPDS
| Feature | Old PDS (Universal) | TPDS (Targeted) |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary Coverage | Universal (all citizens) | Targeted (BPL & APL families) |
| Subsidies | Lower subsidy levels | Higher subsidy levels for targeted groups |
| Leakage & Diversion | High | Reduced, but still a concern |
| Identification | Limited verification | Ration card linked to BPL/APL status |
| Technology | Minimal technology usage | Increasing use of e-PoS, Aadhaar |
Case Study: Chhattisgarh's Mukhya Mantri Kifayat Yojana This scheme provides additional rice and millet to beneficiaries who have faced issues with biometric authentication at FPSs. It acknowledges the challenges of technology adoption in rural areas and provides a safety net for vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The TPDS, with its focus on targeted delivery and technological interventions, represents a significant improvement over the universal PDS. Measures like Aadhaar linking and e-PoS machines have demonstrably increased transparency and reduced leakages. However, challenges remain, including exclusion errors, digital literacy gaps, and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation. The NFSA 2013 provides a crucial legal framework, but its effective implementation requires ongoing commitment from both the central and state governments, alongside robust grievance redressal mechanisms and beneficiary awareness campaigns. A shift towards greater decentralization and community participation can further strengthen the TPDS and ensure food security for all.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.