Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a crucial component of India's food security architecture, aiming to make food grains and other essential commodities accessible and affordable to the poor. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, represents a significant legislative milestone, legally entitling a substantial portion of the Indian population to receive subsidized food grains. This Act aims to strengthen the PDS by defining beneficiaries, specifying entitlements, and establishing a grievance redressal mechanism, thus moving beyond the earlier Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Salient Features of PDS under the National Food Security Act, 2013
The NFSA, 2013, brought about significant changes to the PDS. Here's a breakdown of its key provisions:
1. Coverage and Beneficiary Categories
- Overall Coverage: The Act provides food security to approximately 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, covering about 81.35 crore (813.5 million) individuals. (Statistic: NFSA, 2013)
- Priority Households (PHH): These include households below the poverty line (BPL) identified under previous schemes, widows, orphans, transgender persons, and those identified by the Gram Sabha/Urban Local Body.
- Non-Priority Households (NPHH): These are households above the poverty line but still eligible for subsidized food grains.
2. Food Grain Entitlements
| Category | Entitlement (kg/person/month) |
|---|---|
| Priority Households (Rural) | 5 kg |
| Priority Households (Urban) | 3.5 kg |
| Non-Priority Households (Rural & Urban) | 3 kg |
3. Food Grain Quality and Prices
- The Act mandates the supply of food grains of specified quality.
- Subsidized prices are stipulated: Rice at ₹3 per kg, Wheat at ₹2 per kg, and coarse grains at ₹1 per kg. (Statistic: NFSA, 2013)
4. Ration Cards and Eligibility
- The Act mandates the issuance of ration cards to eligible households.
- State Governments are responsible for determining the criteria for identifying PHH and NPHH.
5. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
- The Act establishes a mechanism for grievance redressal at the State and District levels.
- State Food Commissions are mandated to monitor the implementation of the Act and address grievances.
6. Transparency and Social Audit
- The Act promotes transparency through the display of food grain stock positions, procurement prices, and other relevant information.
- Social audits are mandated to assess the effectiveness and accountability of the PDS.
7. Cash Compensation for Non-Supply
- If food grains are not supplied, eligible households are entitled to cash compensation as determined by the State Government.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its progressive features, the NFSA faces challenges, including:
- Leakage and Diversion: Significant amounts of food grains are lost due to leakage and diversion.
- Inefficient Supply Chain: Poor storage and transportation infrastructure contribute to wastage.
- Identification Errors: Incorrect identification of beneficiaries leads to exclusion or inclusion errors.
Example: The Chhattisgarh model of PDS, with its decentralized procurement and distribution system, is often cited as a successful example of effective PDS implementation. However, even this system faces challenges related to storage and transportation.
Scheme: The "Annapurna Scheme" (abolished in 2000) aimed to provide food security to the elderly population, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of food security programs in India.
Case-Study: The ‘Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)’ implementation in PDS in some states, aimed at reducing leakages and improving efficiency, has shown mixed results, with some success in curbing corruption but also facing challenges in digital literacy and access to banking services.
Conclusion
The National Food Security Act, 2013, represents a landmark effort to ensure food security for a significant portion of India's population. While it has established a legal framework and defined entitlements, effective implementation remains a challenge. Addressing issues like leakage, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring accurate beneficiary identification are crucial for realizing the Act's full potential and achieving its objective of providing affordable food grains to all eligible citizens. Continuous monitoring and adaptive measures are essential for the sustained success of the PDS.
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.