Published Paper Details:

Public distribution system (PDS) is a vehicle for ensuring food security for all. This paper evaluates the current system of PDS in the Balangir district of Odisha on the basis several key factors such as access, efficiency, adequacy and preferences. The study is based on both primary and secondary data and used purposive sampling method to collect primary data of 93 household by structured questionnaire across the Balangir district of Odisha. In this study statistical tool like descriptive statistics, correlation and regression are used to examine the relationships between different variables. This study also explores whether the beneficiaries prefer food grain subsidies or cash transfer. The study shows that PDS in Odisha is functioning reasonably well and has significantly improved over the years, but the amount of grain and quality of the commodities provided are far from satisfactory. The household also express strong preference for distribution of food grain over cash.