New Delhi: To ensure food security for all, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has examined the challenges faced by the Public Distribution System (PDS) and has discussed ways to overcome them.
A core group meeting was organised by the NHRC on the right to food with a focus on the PDS. The meeting was chaired by NHRC Member Vijaya Bharati Sayani. She said that the PDS plays a crucial role in providing food assistance to more than 80 crore people of India, especially the most vulnerable.
However, she said that the PDS is facing some problems, including leakage and diversion of food grains. She emphasised the need for a multi-pronged approach to address these issues and ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.
She also highlighted the importance of the One Nation One Ration Card Scheme (ONORC) in making food grains available to migrant workers.
Co-chairing the discussions, NHRC Member Dr Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay stressed the importance of policymaking. He emphasised that the PDS has a crucial role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He said that the discussions should focus on the gaps between the policy and its implementation in order to reach the needy through the scheme. He also emphasised the need to improve the quality of mid-day meals.
Joint Secretary Devendra Kumar Nim, meanwhile, presented an overview of the discussions and highlighted the urgent need to address the issues facing food security and nutrition in the country. He said that the NHRC will further deliberate on the suggestions received and make recommendations to the government.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to ensure the right to food through the effective implementation of the PDS.
The NHRC will take into consideration the suggestions received and make recommendations to the government for the improvement of the system.