Public Distribution System in India- a case for direct cash transfer

Abstract

This research paper tries to make an attempt to understand the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the possible alternatives sothat the leakages can be minimized. Even though the central government has initiated the discussion like food stamp as analternative to PDS and it did not take place . Various researches h ave shown that more than 50 %of the of the food items for the PDSare not getting to the targeted group. In another attempt, the central government plans to introduce direct cash transfer as analternative to the existing PDS. Some research findings show that most of th e beneficiaries of the PDS still prefer PDS rather thandirect cash transfer system. Hence th e policy makers may think twice before taking a final deci sion .