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The Public Distribution System and Food Security in India

Author

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  • Neetu Abey George

    (School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia)

  • Fiona H. McKay

    (School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia)

Abstract

The Public Distribution System (PDS) of India plays a crucial role in reducing food insecurity by acting as a safety net by distributing essentials at a subsidised rate. While the PDS forms a cornerstone of government food and nutrition policy, India continues to be home to a large population of hungry and malnourished people. This review seeks to explore the functioning and efficiency of the PDS in achieving food and nutritional security in India. A comprehensive and systematic search using the key terms “food insecurity” OR “food security” AND “Public Distribution System” OR “PDS” OR “TPDS” AND “India” identified 23 articles which met the inclusion criteria. This review draws attention to the lack of published literature in areas of PDS and food security in India. The findings of the review emphasise the role of PDS in tackling hunger and malnutrition while highlighting its limited role in improving food security and childhood mortality due to operational inefficiencies. The PDS has the potential to act as a solution to food insecurity in India if the operational inefficiencies and environmental footprints are addressed by adequate policy reforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Neetu Abey George & Fiona H. McKay, 2019. "The Public Distribution System and Food Security in India," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:17:p:3221-:d:263643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Biradar, Rajeshwari A., 2023. "Association between poverty and anaemia among mother–child pairs in India," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    3. Fiona H McKay & Preethi John & Alice Sims & Gaganjot Kaur & Jyotsna Kaushal, 2020. "Documenting the Food Insecurity Experiences and Nutritional Status of Women in India: Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-9, May.

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