The effect of Public Distribution System (PDS) on the Food Security and Welfare of Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families in Karnataka

Abstract

This paper investigated the effect of Public Distribution System (PDS) on the food security(proxied by the number of meals served to non-household members) and welfare (proxied by monthlyper capita expenditure) of Below Poverty Line (BPL)families in Karnataka. Data for the study was sourced from the 68th Round of the Household Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation-India. The ordinary least regression technique was the empirical estimation technique employed. The study found that, the possession of a PDS BPL ration card has a negative significant influence on food securityand welfare. It is therefore recommended that, the PDS programme should be strengthened in order to enhance food security and welfare among BPL families.