Impact of Public Distribution System (PDS) on Food Security in India: A Critical Analysis

Author(s)	Ms. Gurjinder Kaur
Country	India
Abstract	The Public Distribution System (PDS) is one of the world’s largest food security programs, designed to provide subsidized food grains to vulnerable populations in India. This study critically examines the effectiveness of PDS in enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and improving nutritional outcomes, with a specific focus on Punjab as a case study. Using a descriptive and analytical research design based on secondary data from government reports, NSSO surveys, and academic literature, the study finds that PDS has significantly contributed to stabilizing food access, with coverage in Punjab increasing from 0.4% of households in 2004–05 to 40% in 2022–23. However, persistent issues such as leakage (historically as high as 93% in Punjab), targeting inefficiencies, and limited dietary diversity constrain its overall impact. The Punjab case reveals a unique paradox: a food surplus state still dependent on PDS for equitable access, highlighting governance as a critical determinant of food security. The paper concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing digitization, nutritional diversification, and community monitoring to strengthen the system’s efficiency and inclusivity.
Keywords	Public Distribution System, Food Security, Poverty Alleviation, Welfare Policy, India, Punjab
Field	Sociology > Economics
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 6, November-December 2024
Published On	2024-12-05

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research