India’s PDS provides free foodgrain to 813 million under NFSA via 500,000 fair-price shops, but dependency on government support remains high
Overhauled in 2013, PDS covers 67 per cent of the population, but 28 per cent of grain still misses beneficiaries, costing Rs 69,108 crore annually
Despite a Rs 2.05 trillion food-subsidy bill, inefficiencies persist, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the subsidy model
PDS fails on nutrition: 30 per cent of children are underweight, and 15 per cent of adults have low BMI. The system needs reorientation for better support
Declining poverty calls for reassessing PDS scope; cash transfers may reduce leakages and improve efficiency in resource allocation
India’s food security programme needs reform; fewer beneficiaries and cash transfers may improve effectiveness and ensure a sustainable system