Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) represents a significant shift in India’s food security strategy, evolving from the Universal Public Distribution System (PDS). Introduced in 2013 as part of the National Food Security Act (NFSA, 2013), TPDS aims to ensure access to subsidized food grains to vulnerable sections of the population, moving away from the earlier “all-inclusive” approach. This transition was driven by concerns regarding leakage, diversion, and inefficiency within the universal PDS system. The current system strives for greater efficiency and targeted delivery, focusing on those most in need.
What is the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)?
TPDS is a centrally sponsored scheme with state-level implementation. It aims to provide food grains (rice, wheat, and coarse grains) at subsidized rates to specific categories of households identified as "priority households" and "general households" through a "ration card" system. It's a key component of India's food security net, addressing hunger and malnutrition. The system relies on the identification of beneficiaries through various methods including deprivation surveys and self-declaration.
Who are the specially focused groups covered under TPDS?
The TPDS identifies and caters to distinct groups based on socio-economic vulnerability. The categorization is primarily based on state-level surveys and criteria, although broad guidelines are provided by the central government.
Priority Households (PHH)
- Definition: These are households identified as being most vulnerable and entitled to higher levels of food grain allocation at subsidized rates.
- Categories:
- Intending Migrants: Families migrating for work, eligible for portability of ration cards.
- Destitute: Those living in extreme poverty and identified by the state government.
- Urban Poor: Households residing in urban slums and identified through surveys.
- Agricultural Labourers: Families dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
- Small and Marginal Farmers: Farmers with small landholdings.
- Landless Households: Households with no land ownership.
- Single-Parent Families: Families with only one parent.
- Senior Citizens/Disabled: Individuals and families facing physical or economic challenges.
- Allocation: PHH receive higher food grain allocations, typically 5 kg per person per month.
General Households (GHH)
- Definition: These are households that do not fall under the PHH category but are still eligible for subsidized food grains.
- Allocation: GHH receive a lower allocation than PHH, as determined by state governments.
Recent Updates and Challenges
The government has introduced various reforms to TPDS, including:
- Aadhaar Linking: Linking ration cards with Aadhaar numbers aims to improve targeting and reduce leakage.
- Portability: Allowing beneficiaries to access food grains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country.
- Automation of FPS: Digitizing operations at FPS to improve efficiency and transparency.
Challenges: Despite these efforts, TPDS faces challenges like exclusion errors (leaving out deserving beneficiaries), inclusion errors (including ineligible beneficiaries), and diversion of food grains.
| Category | Food Grain Allocation (kg/person/month - Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Priority Households (PHH) | 5 kg |
| General Households (GHH) | State-determined, typically less than 5 kg |
Conclusion
The TPDS represents a crucial intervention for ensuring food security in India, targeting vulnerable populations with subsidized food grains. While the system has undergone significant reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency, challenges related to inclusion and diversion persist. Continuous monitoring, technological upgrades, and community participation are essential for optimizing the effectiveness of TPDS and achieving its objectives of eradicating hunger and malnutrition.
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.