Published Paper Details:

Food security is a pressing challenge in urban India, particularly in economically vulnerable areas. The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting significant food insecurity issues. This paper explores the theoretical foundations and socio-economic consequences of rising urban food insecurity, with a focus on marginalized communities. Through a case study of Kapashera, a low-income locality in Southwest Delhi, we assess the effectiveness of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in alleviating food insecurity. Our research employs primary data from fieldwork, including interviews and participant observations, alongside secondary sources to contextualize the findings within broader national PDS dynamics. The study highlights residents' grievances, this paper seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of the socio-economic implications of neoliberal reforms in India's PDS. The analysis underscores the urgent need to critically examine the impact of these reforms on the most vulnerable populations and to recognize that it's high time for the state to focus on its citizens rather than weakening them through bureaucratic hurdles, surveillance and other restrictive measures.