Evolution of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India
The Public Distribution System (PDS) has evolved over decades to address food security and poverty alleviation. Its development can be categorized int
Evolution of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India The Public Distribution System (PDS) has evolved over decades to address food security and poverty alleviation. Its development can be categorized into three major timelines: 1. Pre-Targeted PDS Era (1947–1997): Universal PDS 1940s (Pre-Independence): PDS originated during World War II as a rationing system to address food shortages. Post-Independence, it continued to provide food grains universally at subsidized prices to tackle scarcity and stabilize food prices. 1960s (Green Revolution Era): PDS became institutionalized with the establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Agricultural Prices Commission (APC, now CACP). Focus shifted to procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains to ensure availability and stabilize markets. Challenges: Uneven coverage, urban bias, and significant leakages were major concerns during this period. 2. Targeted PDS Era (1997–2013): Introduction of Targeted PDS (TPDS) 1997: The Univ…