Public Distribution System: An Exploration of Constraints in Rural and Urban Areas

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a critical role in addressing poverty and enhancing food security by providing essential commodities at subsidized rates. Despite its significant contributions, the system faces numerous challenges, including poor quality of food grains, irregular supply, and limited availability of specified items. This study investigates these constraints in Telangana, employing Garrett’s ranking technique to evaluate issues faced by beneficiaries across urban and rural areas. Data collected from 240 beneficiaries reveal that poor quality food grains and the non-availability of specified items are the most pressing concerns. The findings emphasize the need for improved quality control, timely supply chain management, and expansion of item availability to enhance the efficacy of the PDS and ensure equitable food security.