Targeted public distribution system- is the targeted BPL household able to access the foodgrains?
- 2008
- p.33-46.
- Jul-Sep
The targeted Public Distribution System is a safety net scheme for the poor. this paper examines the targeted public distribution system of foodgrains in India and looks at the determinants of access to food grains by the targeted BPL households. It seems that the targeted public distribution system has failed in its objectives. Partly this is due to inefficiency and corruption in the procurement and delivery system. The rest is due to misidentification of the poor. As in many countries, the food subsidy in India is poorly targeted. Access to subsidised foodgrain by the rural poor is also limited by their status in the caste hierarchy. Households belonging to `lower' castes have lower level of access to food and scheduled tribes are even worse off. While malnutrition caused by lack of adequate food is widespread, due to certain policy measures, there is little evidence of starvation. - Reproduced.