Siddhartha Mallik

: The government initiated the Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS) in order to assist individuals and familiesBolow Povery Line (BPL). The scheme aims at ensuring supplies of foodgrains to people who fall in this category. The government had, in December 2000, also launched the Antyodaya Anna Yojana to assist the poorest of the poor.

However, data provided by the CMIE Monthly Review for States, May 2008, shows growth in the allotment of foodgrains by states has exceeded that of its distribution. This means that though the Centre has been giving foodgrains to states, they have not found their way to those who it was intended for. The data shows that there remains shortages across states. A look at the performance in distribution reveal mixed results.

Some states have done exceptionally well, for example, Uttar Praesh whose distribution increased from 1,89,970 tonnes to 3,33,780 tonnes (75.70 per cent). So has also been the case with Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. Contrary to this good show by these states, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand did poorly. Their total distribution through TDPS in December 2007 declined compared to last year.

editor@expressindia.com