New Delhi in Dismal figures belie hopes of successful implementation of food security law

As the Centre braces for an expanded distribution of grain among the poor under the national food security law, here’s a sobering thought. According to the latest official data, various state governments have failed to utilise even the grain allocated under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). During the last three fiscal years, states have not been able to take the full delivery of grain — mostly rice and wheat — allocated under TPDS, which targets 6.52 crore Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Each BPL family is entitled to 35kg each of rice and wheat every month at subsidised rates.