ORG-MARG to evaluate PDS

To evaluate the functioning of public distribution system and identify diversion of grains, if any, food ministry has commissioned an independent study by ORG-MARG at an estimated cost of around Rs 0.5 crore.

“We have entrusted a consultancy ORG-MARG with the task to evaluate the implementation of both the targeted PDS and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). It will be the most comprehensive independent study of the world’s largest, government-run food distribution system”, the Food Minister Sharad Yadav told PTI. He said the study will be nationwide as the sample size covers all the States and will look into the correct identification of the beneficiaries under the TPDS and AAY. Yadav said an earlier study conducted in 1997-98 by Tata Economic Consultancy Services (TECS) was limited in its objectives as it identified the extent of diversion of PDS commodities at the fair price shop level.