While there is no dearth of committee reports before the government of the day (“ > Food insecurity and statistical fog ,” Feb.25) on how to improve the functioning of the PDS, a World Bank report estimates that upwards of 45 per cent of all commodities distributed through the PDS is “mis-targeted and/or is shown to have an “urban bias”. As the writer points out, the SECC method is good, but why not leverage existing NPR data and the use of Aadhar to build a unified, holistic profile that spans the entire populace and use that for every scheme of public delivery? The Andhra Pradesh experience itself shows that funds to the tune of Rs.7,000 crore could be saved via a better evaluation method. Sustaining an ambitious “Make in India” programme requires a prudent and energetic workforce, and the least that a government ought to do for this is to make sure that every segment of the population is fed well.
Rajesh Tripurneni,
Vijayawada
The existing confusion over the implementation of the National Food Security Act has been further exacerbated following the recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee. While its intentions deserve appreciation, that is, ensuring effectiveness along with fiscal prudence, it is also clear that the panel has failed to realise the ground realities in India. The “Marginal Incrementalism Decision Making” theory is relevant in this context. The elimination of the existing PDS and its replacement with the Direct Cash Transfer scheme cannot ensure simultaneous intake of equivalent nutrients. However, improving the existing system by curbing leakages and managing it using IT can yield results. By pursuing the marginal incremental approach, we can develop a consensus among multiple stakeholders and ensure the effective functioning of the deeply entrenched PDS.
Akash Singh,
Lucknow
