AADHAR ENABLED PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (AEPDS), BENEFICIARY SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Public Distribution System (PDS) has evolved as a system of managing scarcity through distribution of food grains at affordable prices. In 2015, Aadhar-enabled Public Distribution System (AePDS) made linking AADHAR cards of the beneficiaries to the Ration Cards mandatory, enabling Fair Price Shops (FPSs) to use biometrics to authenticate the beneficiaries, improving efficiency and transparency of the system. The study aims to explore the working of AePDS at Fair Price Shops (FPSs), the services provided to the beneficiaries, the use of technology, challenges, and benefits of the system, as well as the infrastructure adopted to efficiently implement the distribution of grains within Raigad District in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A strategic framework and scoring system were developed to assess the system based on literature studies, analysis of the existing scenario, and primary questionnaire surveys conducted in the Raigad District, involving both FPS dealers and the beneficiaries linked to the system.