TARGETED PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND THE FOOD SECURITY DEBATE

Headnote

Targeted Public Distribution System, which aims at a target group, was introduced in 1997. This gave rise to a debate between a Universal Public Distribution System and a Targeted Public Distribution System. After going through this debate, this paper argues that a Universal Public Distribution System is more suitable for India.

Keywords

Target Public Distribution System, Universal Public Distribution System, Debate, India.

Introduction

This paper analyses the views of scholars, policy makers and academicians on the Public Distribution System and situates itself within those. First we look at the views of those who argue for a Universal Public Distribution System (PDS) and then that of those who argue for a targeted PDS. We then look at the alternatives suggested and arrive at our own findings.

The proposed Targeted Public Distribution System has to be seen in the context of further liberalization of the economy. In the 1990s when the liberalization process was further strengthened by incorporating more changes, the food security system of the country also underwent changes. In 1992, Revamped Public Distribution System was introduced and later in 1997 targeting was introduced and PDS became Targeted Public Distribution System which gave rise to the debate between a Universal and a Targeted Public Distribution System.

The spiralling food prices and the high rate of inflation in the past few months draw our attention to the food security of our country. The poor people are the worst sufferers. The government plans to pass a 'Food Security Act' and guarantee 'Right to Food' as a Fundamental Right to the people. The Supreme Court has also realized the problem and has directed the government to distribute food grains free of cost to the poor. At this juncture when a Food Security Act is being implemented it becomes important to analyze the debate between an Universal and a Targeted Public Distribution System.

Arguments in Favour of a Targeted Public Distribution System

There is no consensus among the proponents of a Targeted Public Distribution System on the means of targeting. Many like Radhakrishnan (1996) argue for a Targeted Public Distribution System. According to him, the poor have a threat to food security and are exposed to risk of uncertainty both in food and labor market. He argues for...