Question 14GS3GS2

Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.

Main Body

Food Corporation of India FCI procures food at issue price and procures at MSP (Minimum Support Price). Role of FCI in PDS to ensure food security: (1) Largest food welfare program by 75% rural population + 50% urban population = 67% total coverage. (2) FCI centrality in PDS: Family → sells to FCI at MSP → Godowns → Storage → People → State PDS → issue price With structure: People, State, State PDS center, Central PDS center, Central issue price (3) Welfare & food security costing 2 lakh crores annually. Women empowerment: - Head of household - women above 18 years of age. - Extra benefit to pregnant lactating mothers. (4) 5kg per person or 35kg to antiyodge households.

However issues in FCI & PDS: (1) Administrative cost 40% basportation. (2) Wastage & storage improper storage. (3) Regional imbalance to procurement & distribution. Reforms in functioning of FCI to enhance efficiency & effectiveness - (1) Cooperative Model in FCI procurement on lines of Tamil Nadu. (2) Enhancing quality of storage: cold storage, proper ventilation, protection from mites etc. (3) Reduce transportation cost: use of technology, tital rails, storaging facilities etc. (4) Local systems approach: local granaries should be met with local supply of foodgrains. (5) Diversification of PDS grains to multinerritional substitutes (eg pulses, millets etc.) FCI plays central role in achievement of SDG1 of reducing poverty and SDG2 of eliminating hunger.

2Reduce transportation cost: Use of technology, tital rails, storing facilities etc. (4) Local systems approach: by local granaries should be met with local supply of foodgrains. (5) Diversification of PDS grains to multinerritional substitutes (eg pulses, millets etc.)

— Komal Punia

271 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

FCI plays central role in achievement of SDG1 of reducing poverty and SDG2 of eliminating hunger.

16 words

Diagram

Flow chart showing FCI procurement system: Family sells to FCI at MSP → Godowns/Storage → State (with State PDS center) → Central (with Central PDS center, Central issue price)

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Topper

Komal Punia

Subject & Paper

GS3GS2

Topic

Government Policies and Interventions - Design, Implementation and Issues

Government Schemes and Policies

Writing Stats

287

Total words

Paragraphs

Linked PYQ

Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting the clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The members inform him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vined that once his party comes to power, Vinod’s professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalised if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realises that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains. (a): As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod. (b): In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.

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