Published Paper Details:

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in Kerala Plays a crucial role ensuring food security for rural households by providing essential food grains and commodities prices.. Kerala has the unique distinction of being the forerunner among states in establishing universal PDS, ensuring equity and social justice. The introduction of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in 1997, replacing the universal food distribution system, was a major policy shift in the wake of globalization. While the TPDS provided subsidized food grains to BPL families, several equally deserving APL families were thrown out of the scheme. Though the PDS ensured food grains to every deserving family in the state, the distribution system remained leaky. There was insufficient mechanism to monitor the off- take system. Mismanagement, corruption and bureaucratization were rampant during the earlier regime. The AePDS has radically transformed the rationing system in Kerala. The present study examined the efficiency and effectiveness of the Aadhar Enabled Public Distribution Mechanism (AePDS) established in 2015. Through the study, the author attempted to unravel the accessibility of PDF, service delivery satisfaction, and efficacy of the electronic system developed for the purpose. A select number of authorised ration dealers from Ernad Taluk of Malappuram district were studied. The study was completed by selectively incorporating quantitative as well as qualitative data. The Researcher conducted in-depth interviews with ration card holders, shop owners, and taluk-level officials of the AePDS.