International Journal of Research in Social Sciences
Year : 2016, Volume : 6, Issue : 5
First page : ( 674) Last page : ( 690)
Online ISSN : 2249-2496.

Public Distribution System in West Bengal: A Critical Appraisal

Dutta Abhijit*

*Research Scholar, Department of Geography, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India

Online published on 28 July, 2016.

Abstract

A civilised society cannot in the 21st century allow any of its citizens to die of starvation or go hungry for prolonged periods. The country is today concerned that in spite of the fact that the Food Corporation of India(FCI) godowns are overflowing with grain, adequate food is not being consumed by the vulnerable sections of society. There are two aspects to this problem. One is the issue of having enough purchasing power or income to buy food and the other is the access to food (physical availability of food). Thus in remote, inaccessible and backward regions both job opportunities and access to food may be constrained. In such situations, food-for-work and related schemes are necessary. West Bengal has a history of great famines prevailed over the state in the colonial period. But, after many years of Independence the news of starvation deaths are rolling on the air frequently in our state. In this situation Public distribution system (PDS) is the most effective tool of any government to ensure food for all the people of the state. Since it was first inaugurated the PDS has evolved time to time. In West Bengal public distribution system has done a commendable job but there are some loopholes which are weakening the system.

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Keywords

public distribution system, targeted public distribution system, purchasing power, fair price shop, food security bill, food security act, ration card, minimum support price, food depots.

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