Chapter 3: Governance, Accountability and Public Policy

Title: Policy reforms towards Public Distribution in India since 1991: PDS is a global concern

Reference: WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2006 pp. 90 - 97

Abstract/Summary: A welfare state is the ultimate objective of every economy in the world. Economic systems may differ from country to country but the expected end result of every country is to distribute its national wealth equally. The Public Distribution System (PDS) was introduced in India in order to attain food security. This paper aims at analysing the existing system of Public Distribution in India and its changed perception in the context of globalisation. An exploration into the effectiveness of the PDS towards achieving its goal brings to light the interstate variations and urban bias in its off-take. A reduction of food subsidy in the post-structural period has serious implications. The role of developed countries in bringing about policy reforms in developing and under developed countries towards eradication of poverty has also been examined.

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