ROLE AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD CONSUMPTION IN ODISHA, INDIA

Abstract

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India is the largest distribution network in the world. Odisha is one of the most backward states in India where the food security status of most of the households are appalling. The present study attempted to examine the association between household quantity consumption of food items from PDS and Non-PDS sources by using the data of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO). It has been shown that there is a significant difference in quantity consumption between PDS and non-PDS sources of food items, while the household consumption of food grains from non-PDS sources is higher than the PDS sources. On the other side the PDS systems have a positive impact on household food consumption. But still, complete food security has not been provided to the beneficiary's families as they were more dependent on non-PDS sources. In this study the rural households were found to have a major share in PDS consumption of rice which was about 54.4% where as urban sectors share which was about 17.9% only. On the other hand, lower Monthly Per Capita Consumption expenditure (MPCE) households have the highest average quantity consumption of PDS sources and the quantity of consumption has been declining with the increase of the households MPCE.