Conundrums in public distribution system in India: an assessment by states and social groups

Growing number of studies accentuated enigmas in PDS system, many of them provided evidences based on National Sample Survey (NSS) and other official statistics, more particularly by major states. Many of them also highlighted theoretical and operational difficulties in existing policy strategies for only major states. Alternatively, this study emphasized key issues and provided evidences based Indian Human Development Survey (2004-05) for all the Indian states and major socio-economic groups. Additionally, this study provides reasons for not using ration card and major hurdles in PDS ration offtake. All-encompassing, this provides number of critical insights on conundrums in public distribution system in India by maximum Indian states and social groups.