Why in news?
A recent study using the thali index highlighted that nearly half of rural Indians and a fifth of urban Indians cannot afford two balanced meals a day. Although poverty levels have fallen, the findings reveal that Public Distribution System (PDS) subsidies are skewed towards cereals and are not providing enough pulses. The article argues for reforming the PDS to ensure equitable access to a nutritious food basket.
Understanding primary food consumption
- Thali index: Developed by economists, the index goes beyond calories and measures the cost of a balanced meal comprising cereals, pulses, vegetables, cooking oil, spices and milk. It reveals that many households cannot afford two thalis a day despite being above the official poverty line.
- Current reality: Census data and household surveys show that about 50 % of rural households and 20 % of urban households cannot afford two thalis daily. The PDS reduces cereal deprivation but fails to cover pulses, leading to protein deficiency.
- Features of primary food consumption: A balanced thali should provide carbohydrates (rice, wheat or millets), proteins (pulses, eggs or meat), fats (oil), and micronutrients (vegetables and milk). It should be affordable, equitable and sensitive to the needs of the poor.
Gaps in the Public Distribution System (PDS)
- Cereal equality but pulses gap: The PDS has largely equalised cereal consumption across income groups, yet pulses remain unaffordable for the poorest households. Top income groups receive more cereal subsidies than they need.
- Inadequate targeting: Most of the population receives cereals regardless of need. The richest 10 % receive a significant share of subsidies that could be redirected towards nutrition support for the poor.
- Fiscal and logistical challenges: Large cereal entitlements strain government finances and infrastructure. Urban households often pay market prices for pulses and vegetables while receiving subsidised cereals.
Proposed reforms for nutritional security
- Rationalise cereal entitlements: Reduce allocations for well-off households and redirect savings to procure pulses and millets. Gradual reduction of excess cereal quotas would relieve fiscal pressure.
- Diversify the food basket: Include pulses, millets and nutrient-dense foods in the PDS. Encourage community kitchens and midday meals to provide balanced diets.
- Target based on need: Use Aadhaar-linked databases and socio‑economic criteria to identify households that genuinely need subsidies. Digital tracking of grain movement can curb leakages.
- Promote pulses production: Expand pulse procurement missions, enhance minimum support prices and invest in storage and processing. Encourage farmers to diversify beyond rice and wheat.
Conclusion
A shift from calorie security to nutrition security is essential. By restructuring the PDS to provide a balanced food basket and focusing on the poorest households, India can ensure equitable access to two nutritious meals a day and address hidden hunger.