भारत में खाद्य सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए खाद्यान्न नियंत्रण (PDSs) की भारतीय खाद्य निगम (FCI) की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिये। भारतीय खाद्य निगम की दक्षता और प्रभावशीलता बढ़ाने के लिए इसकी कार्यप्रणाली में आवश्यक सुधार सुझाइये। | Discuss the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the Public Distribution System (PDSs) to ensure food security in India. Suggest necessary reforms in the functioning of FCI to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.

FCI's role in the procurement and distribution:

i) Procurement of food grains and other crops from farmers at MSP.

ii) Storage and handling of procured food grains

iii) Provides the food grains to the PDS at issue price.

iv) Difference in MSP and Issue Price

Reasons for low efficiencies and efficiency:

i) Lack of storage infrastructure to store such large quantities

ii) Policy of First-in-First out – requiring large storage infrastructure.

iii) Schemes such as IM Gail Kalyan Anne Yojana burdening FCI finances.

iv) Leakages and corruption – selling of the food grains in export markets – which were marked for PDS.

v) Low technology adoption for efficient transportation and distribution

vi) Central collection instead of decentralized model.

Necessary reforms needed in FCI functioning:

i) Reduce the number of beneficiaries

Currently around 66%. Issue prices is slightly higher for less poor (NITI Aayog suggestion).

ii) Decentralized procurement and storage – reduction in transportation cost.

iii) GPS tracking of the trucks to prevent leakages.

iv) Availability of storage infrastructure to prevent wastage.

(E.g.) PACS scheme to improve storage

v) Reduction in off-budget market borrowings to fund deficit.

vi) Food coupons for remote beneficiaries

Diversified procurement, decentralized model and effective distribution (Andhar based) can help in achieving food security and SDG1 of zero poverty and SDG2 of zero hunger.