Evaluating Access and Utilization of Public Distribution System in Rural and Urban India

Abstract

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a program in India that contributes to household food security by providing the staple grains at low
prices to the needy. However, PDS is highly criticized due to its inability to deliver benefits to all the vulnerable households resulting in an
ongoing debate about replacing the PDS with cash transfers. As these debates continue to persist, this paper will review the existing literature
to determine the effectiveness of the PDS in facilitating food access and enhancing the food grain consumption pattern of the beneficiaries of
the rural and urban India, as well as indicate the key factors influencing them. The results indicate that not everybody accesses PDS and those
accessing it are not using it to its full potential. Its desired results are not achieved despite the wide reach of the PDS due to various barriers
such as corruption, targeting errors and socio-economic inequalities. As pointed out in the review, although the PDS has helped in better
access to food grains, the benefits do not reach all the targeted households most of the time because of administrative challenges, corruption
at local levels and inconsistent implementation.