Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a cornerstone of India's food security efforts, aiming to provide subsidized food grains to vulnerable populations. The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) represents a significant shift from the earlier Universal Public Distribution System (UPDS). Introduced in 1997-98, TPDS was designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the PDS by focusing resources on those most in need, addressing concerns about leakages and diversions prevalent in the universal system. The shift aimed for better targeting and reduced expenditure while ensuring access to essential food grains.
What is Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)?
The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is a modified version of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. It aims to provide food grains and other essential commodities at subsidized prices to targeted groups of the population. It replaced the Universal PDS, which provided subsidies to all sections of society, leading to inefficiencies and diversions.
Evolution from Universal PDS
Prior to TPDS, the Universal PDS (UPDS) was in operation. However, it faced challenges like:
- Widespread pilferage and black marketing
- High costs due to subsidies for all sections of society
- Inefficient distribution network
The TPDS was introduced to address these issues by focusing on identified vulnerable groups.
Beneficiary Categories under TPDS
TPDS categorizes beneficiaries into two main groups:
Priority Households (PHH)
- These are the most vulnerable families identified based on state-specific criteria.
- They receive food grains at highly subsidized rates.
- Examples of PHH include:
- Destitute families
- Landless laborers
- Small and marginal farmers
- Agricultural laborers
- Single-parent families
- Elderly citizens (widows, disabled)
- The coverage ratio for PHH is generally 75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas, as determined by states.
- The NFSA (National Food Security Act, 2013) mandates that states identify PHH.
Non-Priority Households (NPHH)
- These households are not as vulnerable as PHH and receive food grains at a slightly higher subsidized rate than PHH.
- Criteria for identification of NPHH are also state-specific.
- They include families above the poverty line but still requiring some level of food security.
- The coverage ratio for NPHH is determined by states, subject to overall food grain allocation limits.
| Category | Food Grain Allocation (kg/person/month - indicative) | Subsidized Price (₹/kg - indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Households (PHH) | 5 kg | ₹3/kg for wheat, ₹4/kg for rice |
| Non-Priority Households (NPHH) | 4 kg | ₹6/kg for wheat, ₹8/kg for rice |
The TPDS is implemented through Fair Price Shops (FPS), also known as ration shops, which are the last mile delivery points.
Challenges and Reforms
- Leakage and Diversion: Despite targeting, leakages and diversion of food grains remain a concern.
- Identification Errors: Incorrect identification of beneficiaries can lead to exclusion of deserving families and inclusion of ineligible ones.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure can affect the quality and availability of food grains.
- Aadhaar Linking: The linking of Aadhaar cards with ration cards (though controversial) aims to improve targeting and reduce duplication.
Recent Developments
The government has introduced several reforms to improve the TPDS, including:
- Portability: Allowing beneficiaries to use their ration cards across different states.
- Digitalization: Implementing digital technologies for tracking food grains and managing beneficiaries.
- End-to-End Digitization: Initiatives like the Unified Food Public Distribution System (UFDS) aim for complete digitization of the PDS.
Conclusion
The TPDS represents a crucial intervention in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations in India. While it has addressed some inefficiencies of the earlier universal system, challenges regarding leakages, identification errors, and infrastructure remain. Continuous improvements through technological advancements, stricter monitoring, and state-level refinements are essential to ensure the TPDS effectively reaches those who need it most and contributes to achieving the goal of a hunger-free India.
Answer Length
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