{"id":142359,"date":"2024-11-12T14:41:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T09:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=mains-answer-writing&#038;p=142359"},"modified":"2024-11-13T13:28:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T07:58:17","slug":"operational-inefficiencies-contribute-to-leakage-in-the-public-distribution-system","status":"publish","type":"mains-answer-writing","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/operational-inefficiencies-contribute-to-leakage-in-the-public-distribution-system","title":{"rendered":"How do operational inefficiencies contribute to the leakage in the Public Distribution System (PDS), and what are the most effective solutions to address these issues? (10 marks, 150 words)"},"content":{"rendered":"<table style=\"width: 99.7458%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 16pt;\"><b>Core Demand of the Question<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss how operational inefficiencies contribute to leakages in the Public Distribution System (PDS).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suggest effective solutions to address these inefficiencies in the PDS to prevent leakages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Answer<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>National Food Security Act (NFSA),<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> enacted in<\/span><b> 2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, seeks to provide subsidised food grains to around <\/span><b>two-thirds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of India\u2019s population, ensuring food security and alleviating hunger. Implemented through the <\/span><b>Public Distribution System (PDS),<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the Act guarantees affordable access to essential food items for vulnerable communities, strengthening the country\u2019s food safety net and addressing nutritional needs among low-income households.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Course<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Operational Inefficiencies Contributing to PDS Leakages<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inaccurate Targeting of Beneficiaries: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Misidentification of beneficiaries leads to food grains reaching<\/span><b> ghost beneficiaries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, creating<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leakages and resource wastage.<\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>For example:<\/b> <b>2<\/b><b>8% <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of allocated food grains fail to reach the intended beneficiaries, resulting in substantial annual losses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diversion of Food Grains: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food grains meant for PDS are often diverted to the open market due to poor supervision and lack of robust tracking, resulting in <\/span><b>unauthorised sales<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and leakages.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Shanta Kumar Committee (2015)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> noted leakages as high as <\/span><b>46% in 2011-12(NSSO)<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of Technological Integration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although point-of-sale (PoS) devices and biometric authentication systems have been introduced, implementation gaps allow unauthorised access and <\/span><b>system bypass<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the introduction of<\/span><b> PoS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> machines has reduced leakages from<\/span><b> 46%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to<\/span><b> 28%,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> significant gaps still remain, allowing for<\/span><b> potential misuse<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><b> unauthorised distribution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Poor Storage and Handling Practices: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inadequate storage facilities lead to food grain losses from <\/span><b>spoilage and pest infestation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, further contributing to leakages.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In 2021, the <\/span><b>Food Corporation of India (FCI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported that <\/span><b>5%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of stored grains were lost annually due to poor storage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Excessive Coverage of Beneficiaries: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extending PDS coverage to over<\/span><b> 80 crore<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in population increases pressure on resources, causing strains that contribute to leakages.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Shanta Kumar Committee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommended reducing PDS coverage from<\/span><b> 67%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to<\/span><b> 40%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by revisiting the<\/span><b> Food Security Act<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to enhance resource allocation and reduce leakages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inadequate Monitoring and Evaluation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absence of regular audits and inspections results in a lack of accountability, enabling <\/span><b>manipulation by intermediaries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and encouraging leakages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inefficient Grievance Redressal Mechanism: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beneficiaries often lack channels to report issues or irregularities, allowing leakages to persist unchecked and undermining <\/span><b>trust in the system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Effective Solutions to Address PDS Inefficiencies<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Targeted Beneficiary Identification: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use updated socio-economic data for dynamic beneficiary lists to reduce misidentification and improve <\/span><b>targeting efficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Implementing <\/span><b>SECC-2023<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> data for targeting can help ensure the benefits reach those most in need.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Introduce Direct Cash Transfers (DCT): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transition to direct cash transfers for eligible beneficiaries, reducing leakages by bypassing physical grain distribution channels.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has already proven effective in minimising leakages in other welfare schemes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthen Storage Infrastructure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve storage facilities and handling practices to reduce spoilage, ensuring food grains reach intended beneficiaries without loss.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> promotes cold chain and storage infrastructure, minimising grain wastage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digital Monitoring Systems: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement real-time tracking and digital audits in the supply chain to detect and reduce unauthorised diversions.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Annavitran Portal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tracks the movement of food grains, enabling better oversight and reducing diversion risks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Streamline Beneficiary Coverage: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limit PDS coverage to those most in need, reallocating resources to improve efficiency and focus on extreme poverty areas.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Targeted PDS (1997)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approach suggested similar measures, focusing resources on the poorest households.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regular Third-Party Audits: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct third-party audits and encourage civil society participation in monitoring PDS operations to improve transparency and reduce leakages.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>For example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>CAG conducts PDS audits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which highlight inefficiencies, helping policymakers make data-driven reforms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhanced Grievance Redressal Mechanisms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish an accessible and responsive grievance redressal system that empowers beneficiaries to report issues without fear.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+CSE+Books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addressing inefficiencies in the Public Distribution System is crucial for ensuring <\/span><b>food security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among India\u2019s vulnerable populations. By implementing <\/span><b>targeted reforms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and enhancing <\/span><b>transparency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, India can build a robust PDS that minimises leakages and maximises benefits. A strengthened PDS will support the nation\u2019s long-term goals of <\/span><b>sustainable food security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>social equity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100.043%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 130.811%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Must Read<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Daily Editorials<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80.2753%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/daily-current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Daily Current Affairs<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80.2753%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-modules?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Modules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-previous-year-papers?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Previous+Year+Papers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80.2753%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-test-series-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Test Series 2024<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Current Affairs Quiz<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80.2753%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Main Answer Writing<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 130.811%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+CSE+Books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Core Demand of the Question Discuss how operational inefficiencies contribute to leakages in the Public Distribution System (PDS). Suggest effective solutions to address these inefficiencies in the PDS to prevent leakages. Answer The National Food Security Act (NFSA), enacted in 2013, seeks to provide subsidised food grains to around two-thirds of India\u2019s population, ensuring food&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/operational-inefficiencies-contribute-to-leakage-in-the-public-distribution-system\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">How do operational inefficiencies contribute to the leakage in the Public Distribution System (PDS), and what are the most effective solutions to address these issues? (10 marks, 150 words)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"paper-wise":[2084],"subject":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mains-answer-writing\/142359"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mains-answer-writing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/mains-answer-writing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142359"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mains-answer-writing\/142359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":142575,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mains-answer-writing\/142359\/revisions\/142575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"paper-wise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paper-wise?post=142359"},{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=142359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}