Analysis of Disturbances in Gujarat (Jan. 1-28, 1974): The Food Problem and Suggestions

The recent disturbances in Gujarat were analysed and it was observed that the major cause of the disturbances was non-availability of foodgrains from the fair price shops particularly in the urban areas of Gujarat. This happened because both the State and the Central Governments failed to appreciate the acuteness of the problem and could not manage the procurement and distribution of foodgrains. The analysis shows that the disturbances were restricted to the urban areas because after the wheat takeouver the normal channels of foodgrain distribution in the open market had dried up and the public distribution could not supply foodgrains to the vulnerable sections. Suggestions are made how the problem could be tackled in the short run and in the long run.