The following solutions will help in addressing problems associated with PDS. Replacing Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of food subsidy. National Food Security Act (NFSA) states that the centre and states should introduce schemes for cash transfers to beneficiaries. Cash transfers seek to increase the choices available with a beneficiary, …
Context: Central government is running a pilot scheme to fortify rice and distribute it through the PDS for a period of three years starting 2019-20, with a total outlay of Rs 174.64 crore. The Central government is funding 90% of the scheme for the north-eastern and hilly states, and 75% for the rest of India. The …
Context: Food ministry is working on a pilot to emulate the direct cooking gas subsidy transfer scheme model for public distribution system (PDS) of subsidised food grains. How will it work? The beneficiaries will get the subsidy amount in advance in their bank accounts and they will have to buy the food grains from …
The recently released Shanta Kumar Committee report on issues related to procurement, storage and distribution of food grains in India is deeply flawed and runs contrary to the aim of achieving the MDGs. Critically analyse. (200 Words) In spite of the reduction of malnourishment to move close towards the MDG goal of eradicating hunger through …
About National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas). It converts existing food security programmes of the Central Government into legal entitlements. It includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme …
Recently the recommendations of the High Level Committee (HLC) to restructure, reorient and reform the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was made public. Critically comment on its recommendations. (200 Words) As an initial step to secure the four pillars of food security viz. availability, affordability, accessibility and stability the FCI was setup in 1964 . …