Targeted Public Distribution System — Mains Questions

Critically analyze the evolution of the Public Distribution System (PDS) from a universal to a targeted approach. Discuss the rationale behind the 1997 reforms and the subsequent impact of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 on India's food security landscape.

The digitization of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), particularly through initiatives like One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) and e-POS systems, has been hailed as a game-changer. Evaluate the extent to which these reforms have addressed the long-standing challenges of TPDS and discuss the remaining hurdles.

Despite significant reforms, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) continues to grapple with issues of inclusion and exclusion errors. Examine the causes of these errors and suggest measures to make TPDS more effective and equitable.