CHALLENGES AND CORRUPTION IN PDS

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India faces several major challenges:

■ Leakage and diversion: One of the primary challenges is the diversion of subsidised food grains and essential commodities meant for the intended beneficiaries. Leakage and corruption within the system lead to these items not reaching the intended recipients.

■ Inaccurate targeting: There are issues with identifying and targeting the deserving beneficiaries accurately. Inclusion and exclusion errors result in eligible individuals not receiving benefits, while some who are not in need may receive them.

■ Weak infrastructure and logistics:

Inadequate storage facilities, inefficient transportation systems, and lack of last- mile connectivity contribute to spoilage of food grains and delays in reaching beneficiaries.

■ Lack of transparency and accountability:

The lack of transparency in the functioning of the PDS hampers effective monitoring and accountability. Limited access to information on distribution, entitlements, and beneficiaries makes it difficult to detect and address irregularities. ( source - timesofindia.com)

Glare on food and supplies department for failing to pursue FIRs over PDS irregularities

On 31st oct 2023

The food and supplies department had lodged FIRs against ration dealers over alleged irregularities in the distribution of foodgrains during the initial days of the nationwide lockdown in March 2020, but suddenly stopped pursuing the cases and the then secretary of the department was put on compulsory waiting, sources said.

The revelation comes in the backdrop of the arrest of Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged anomalies in the public distribution system (PDS) during the Covid-19 pandemic. ( source - theindianexpress.com)

( video source - theindianexpress.com)

Why is artificial rice being distributed through India’s public distribution system?

For the past few years, the Union government has been running pilot projects where fortified rice --- rice enhanced with iron and vitamins – is being distributed instead of natural grains. The reason given by the government for this switch is that it will reduce anaemia in the population.

But a great number of the poor – especially the adivasi communities – do not like it, calling it ‘plastic rice’. Public health experts have also advised caution on giving this rice to people with sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia – and there is a high incidence both among the beneficiaries of the PDS in India.

( source - thehindustantimes.com)

By - RAUT NUPUR

Class - SYBCOM

Division - G

Roll number - 721

Group number - 11