Amartya Sen favours universal PDS

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen today favoured a universal public distribution system, instead of the present targeted one, and called for an effective mechanism for the "equitable" supply of foodgrains to the needy.     

"I think there is a lot of merit in the event of a (universal) public distribution system...On the other hand, the targetted (PDS) is open to neglect," Sen said.

Sen was referring to fears of leakage through the targetted PDS and stressed that the target should be to ensure an equitable supply of foodgrains to the people.

At present, the Centre provides foodgrains at cheaper rates through ration shops only to select segments of the population, such as the poorest of the poor (AAY category), the poor (BPL segment) and people above the poverty line (APL), apart from supplying for some welfare schemes.      

Sen was speaking at a function here organised by the Right to Food Campaign.     

Noted economist Jean Dreze, also speaking at the event, termed the government's proposed Food Security Act a "repackaging" of the existing system.      

The government needs to have a three-pronged strategy of social assistance, proper nutrition for children and universal PDS before coming up with a comprehensive food security Act, Dreze said.      

The Manmohan Singh-led UPA government has said it would formulate a National Food Security Act whereby every family below the poverty line would get 25 kg of rice or wheat every month at Rs 3 a kg.

Dreze is spearheading the Right to Food campaign which has demanded that five kg of dal at Rs 20 a kg and half-a-kilo of edible oil at Rs 35 a kg be supplied to each family in the poorest of the poor category each month.     

Apart from special norms for children and widening of the PDS, the Campaign seeks suitable provisions for pensions for the old and higher maternity allowances.     

Dreze, however, conceded that no single intervention by the government will do as the task is much harder and needs constant vigil.     

The proposed Act, he said, must place an obligation on the government "to encourage food production through sustainable and equitable means, and ensure adequate food availability in all locations at all times".