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173

Chapter – V

CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

This chapter deals with the socio-economic background of the sample

respondents in Mysore district. The analysis starts with the brief profile of

Mysore district. This chapter is the core chapter of the present study.

5.1 Introduction

Mysore had been the capital of erstwhile princely state of Mysore for a

long time. It enjoys the unique privilege of having been the political,

administrative, educational and cultural centre for the whole of Mysore state. It

was here the sessions of the old Mysore Representative Assembly and

Legislative Council were held every year. The Dewans and councilors of

Maharaja, though they stayed at Bangalore, were very much interested in the all-

round development of Mysore since Maharaja had his residence at Mysore.

Educationally speaking, the Mysore University, the first university in this

country to be founded outside the limits of British India, was started here in

1916. Culturally, Mysore has been well-known for its World famous Dasara

festivities.

Mysore district is the most famous among the districts of Karnataka

for the entire State was named after it. The city of Mysore was the capital of

the State until it was shifted to Bangalore. It remains the second largest of

the urban agglomerations in the state and is the district headquarters as well.

Being historically important, the discussion begins with the history of

Mysore district and then dwells on contemporary importance of the district

in regard to its physical and human environments. Human development in

the district is also compared with that of the other districts of the state using

the Human Development Report of the Karnataka State.

174

The details of general information about Mysore district are presented

in table 5.1. There are seven taluks in Mysore district, there are 1,216

inhabitant villages, there are 235 Grama panchayaths and there are 226

wards.

Table – 5.1

General Information about Mysore District

Taluk Inhabitant Villages Grama Panchayats Wards

H.D. Kote 243 32 38

Hunsur 192 30 23

K.R. Nagar 156 31 23

Mysore 131 35 69

Nanjangud 176 45 27

Periyapatna 197 26 13

T. Narasipura 121 36 33

District Total 1,216 235 226

Source: Mysore District at a glance.

Graph – 5.1

General Information about Mysore District

Source: Table 5.1

175

5.2 Physical Environment

Karnataka State lies in the southwestern part of India. It is mainly a

tableland and an extension of the Deccan Plateau. It is rhomboid in shape.

The State has a length of 805kms from north to south and about 283kms

from east to west. The total area of the State is 192,493sq.kms.

Mysore district lies in the Southern Plateau and it is in the

southernmost part of Karnataka State. Physiographically, the region in

which the district is found may be classified as partly maidan (plain) and

partly semi-malnad (malnad means hilly land). The district forms the

southern part of the Deccan Peninsula with Tamil Nadu on the southeast, the

Kodagu district on the west, Mandya district on the north, Hassan district on

the northwest and Bangalore district on the northeast. Mysore district forms

a distinct land unit, besides being a cultural entity lying between 110301N

and 12050’ N latitudes and 75045’ E and 77045’ E longitudes. It covers an

area of 6,854sq.kms that is, 3.57 per cent of the State’s total geographical

area. It holds the sixth place in the State in terms of the area. Summary

statistics of Mysore district are presented in the table- 5.2.

Table – 5.2

Summary Statistics of Mysore District

Height (MSL) 770 meter Latitude 11030’ N – 20050’N Longitude 75045’ E – 77045’E Population (2001 Census) Male: 1,344,670

Female: 1,296,357 Total: 2,641,027

Population growth rate (1991-2001 15.8% Density (population per Sq.km) 385 Area 6854 sq.km Literacy level Male: 70.9%

Female: 55.8% Total 63.5%

SC population Male: 237,476 Female: 230,164

176

Total: 467460 ST population Male: 136,831

Female: 134,520 Total: 271,351

Urban population to total population Occupational Pattern

37.2% Primary: 583% Secondary and Tertiary: 41.7%

Crude Birth Rate (1000 population) Crude Death Rate (1000 population) Infant Mortality Rate (1000 live births) Live Expectancy at Birth

19,8 7.7 56 64.8 years

Source: Census of India 2001 and Mysore District at a Glance.

5.3 Location and Area

Physiographically, it lies between the maidan and the semi – malnad

malnad ranges at an altitude of 610 metres above the mean sea level. The

district covers a total geographical area of 676,382 hectares of which 62,851

hectares constitute the forest land use. The net cultivable land is 486,410

hectares and of these 114,010 hectares of land is irrigated. The prominent

river of the district is Cauvery. Mysore district is considered one of the

prosperous districts of the State, based on the development and utilization of

irrigation facilities, abundance of forest wealth and sericulture products.

5.4 Administrative Units

Mysore district consists of seven revenue taluks such as H.D. Kote,

Hunsur, K.R.Nagar, Nanjangud, Periyapatna, T. Narasipura, Mysore Urban

and Mysore Rural. For administration purpose, Mysore district comprises

two subdivisions, which are Hunsur and Mysore; it consists of 1,216

villages, 11 statutory towns, 235 Grama Panchayats and 226 Wards. The

District Commissioner is responsible for managing the District

administration and the Assistant commissioners are responsible for

managing the sub – divisions of the district. There are 7 revenue

administrative blocks and 9 educational blocks. Mysore block is divided

into two educational blocks, namely, Mysore Urban and Mysore Rural.

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Mysore urban is further bifurcated into two sub – educational blocks,

namely, Mysore North and Mysore South for administrative purposes. H.D.

Kote and Nanjangud blocks have vast geographical areas because of the

forests. Nanjangud block has a large number of Grama Panchayats in the

district and this is due to larger population of the block compared to the

remaining blocks of the district. Apart from the above, the district has 9

municipalities, 1 City Corporation (Mysore), 7 taluk Panahcyats, 42 Zilla

Panchayat constituencies, 1 parliamentary constituency and 11 assembly

constituencies.

5.5 Human Environment

Mysore is an educational, commercial and administrative centre and

also an important tourist and heritage centre. It is well connected to the

adjoining States of Kerala (Wynad, Calicut) and Tamil Nadu (Ooty,

Mysore) by roads.

The Government of Karnataka has been promoting Mysore as

alternative destination for the Information Technology (IT) industry and

developing it as a counter magnet city to Bangalore. As a result, the city has

become a new paradise for the IT and information technology enabled

services (ITES) industry and is poised to play a bigger role in the economy

of the State in the years to come. The shares of Mysore District in the State

GDP at 7.09 per cent (1996-97) have exhibited a marginal increase over the

figure of 6.63 per cent (1980-81). However, with the IT companies

establishing their bases in Mysore in the recent years, the city’s share in the

State GDP is expected to go up further.

5.6 Demography

According to the Census of India 2001, the total population of

Mysore district was 2.64 million, out of which 1.34 million were males and

178

1.29 million females. In 1991, the total population of Mysore district was

2.28 million out of which 1.16 million were males and rest females.

Between 1981 and 2001, the size of population has increased but the rate of

growth has declined. Of the total population of 2.64 million, rural and urban

population were 1.65 million and 0.98 million, respectively. The percentage

of urban population to total population of district and State was 34.0 per cent

and 37.2 per cent, respectively. The percentage of female population in the

rural and urban areas is 49.10 per cent and 48.94 per cent, respectively.

5.7 Population Growth and Density

Mysore district has registered a decennial population growth rate of

15.8 per cent during the period 1991-2001, which is lower than the

population growth rate in the State. The population density was 419

persons/sq.kms, which was higher than that of the State of Karnataka.

Trends in density of population are presented in table – 5.3.

Table – 5.3

Density of Population

District 2001 2011

H.D. Kote 150 160

Hunsur 288 299

K.R. Nagar 395 417

Mysore 1,257 1,364

Nanjangud 365 387

Periyapatna 275 290

T. Narasipura 464 491

District Total 419 447

Source: Mysore District at a glance.

179

Graph – 5.2

Density of Population

Source : Table 5.3

The density of the district in 2011 was 447 persons per sq. kms.

Mysore taluk has shown greater densities both in 2001 and 2011, at 1,257

persons to sq.kms, and 1,364 persons to a sq.km., respectively, and the high

population density is entirely attributable to the presence of the city of

Mysore the taluk H.D. Kote is the only taluk with very low density when

compared to other taluks.

5.8 Crude Birth and Death Rates

In Mysore district, the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) was 19.8 per 1000

population. The State average Crude Birth Rate was 22.4 per 1000

population, which shows that the district Crude Birth Rate is lesser than the

State average. The District’s and State’s Crude Death Rates are 7.7 per

thousand and 75 per thousand population, respectively, and they are

obviously lesser than the State average (2001 Census).

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5.9 Infant Mortality Rate

The Infant Mortality Rate of the District and the State was 56 and 55,

respectively, per thousand live births. It shows that the District Infant

Mortality rate was slightly higher than the State average (2001 census).

5.10 Life Expectancy of Birth

The Mysore district’s life expectancy at birth as per 2001 census was

64.8 years where State average is 65.8 years, thus the district showed lower

life expectancy than the State.

5.11 Literacy Level

In Mysore district, the literacy rate in 2001 was 63.69 per cent, out of

which male and female literacy rates were at 71.3 per cent and 55.8 per cent,

respectively. The State average literacy rate was 67.04 per cent, out of

which male and female literacy was 76.1 per cent and 56.9 per cent,

respectively. This shows that the district literacy level was lower than the

State average (2001 Census).

5.12 Agriculture and Crop Pattern

Mysore district is pre-dominantly agricultural. Jowar, ragi and paddy

are the important food crops, while groundnut and sugarcane are the

important non-food crops. The cultivation of hybrid maize has also become

quite popular in some areas in the district. About 14 percent of the net area

sown in the district has irrigation facilities. Krishnarajanagar and T.Narasipur

account for nearly 70percent of the area sown. Cauvery is the main river of

the district with its tributaries Kabini, Lakshmanathirtha and Suvarnavathi,

which have been made use of for irrigation purposes, only 18 percent of the

net area sown is used for raising multiple crops. There is good scope for

encouraging intensive uses of the land resources and also extending cultivable

area. The Kabini project is the major irrigation project under execution.

181

Other major irrigation projects which will benefit the district are Harangi

reservoir project located is Coorg district and Hemavathi project located in

Hassan district. The three projects when completed will irrigate nearly

51,000 hectares of land in the Mysore district. Besides, three medium

irrigation projects under execution will irrigate another 14,000 hectares of

land. A number of minor irrigation works taken up will bring additional

9,000 hectares under irrigation. Ground water survey indicates that there is

good potential to increase irrigation facilities through sinking wells.

As bulk of the people depend on agriculture for livelihood it stands to

reason that only through acceleration of agricultural growth can the living

standards of the people be raised. It may be mentioned that the progress in the

agricultural sector yielding large marketable surplus of agricultural products will

pave way for the growth of several agro-based and consumer oriented industries.

5.13 Land Utilization

The total geographical area of the district was 12.46 lakh hectares at

the end of the agricultural year 1980-81. The pattern of land utilization is

embodied in the table - 5.4.

Table-5.4

Distribution of Land-Holdings

Sl. No.

Category Size class (hectares)

No. of holdings

Percentage to total

Area in hectares

Total Percentage

1. Marginal Below 1.0 1,19,831 43.9 61,158 12.4 2. Small 1.0 to 2.0 78,982 28.9 1,22,745 24.8

3. Semi-medium

2.0 to 4.0 49,450 18.1 1,44,528 29.2

4. Medium 4.0 to 10.0

21,748 8.0 1,23,530 24.5

5. Large 10.0

above 2,933 1.1 43,358 8.7

Total 2,72,960 100.0 4,95,319 100.0

Source: District At a Glance.

182

Graph – 5.3

Distribution of Land-Holdings

Source: Table – 5.4.

The scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are considered as socially

marginalized groups. The two communities, SC’s and ST’s are looked at from

an angle of deprivation, oppression and suppression, and of course at what the

other communities and the Government have done to redress their problems.

The development of human beings in society would hinge upon simultaneous

improvement in the living conditions of all sections of the population in an

equi-proportional manner. In India, since the SC’s and ST’s population forms

fairly big proportion to the total, the overall human development in the

country or in a region would obviously depend upon the rate and nature of

development of these downtrodden sections. Agriculture is the major

occupation in the district. The Prominent crops are Sugarcane, Paddy, Ragi,

Jowar, Groundnut, Sericulture and Coconut to some extent in K.R.Nagar and

Hunsur taluks. Kannada is the prominent language of the district. But Urdu,

Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi speaking people are also there in the district.

183

Table – 5.5 clearly indicates the details of ration card holders in

Mysore district up to November 2013. There are 722 fair price shops,

3,38,601 BPL card holders, 81,660 APL card holders in rural areas, 53839

BPL card holders in urban area. There are 37,580 antyodaya card holders in

Mysore district.

Table-5.5

Ration Card Holders in Mysore District as on November-2013

Sl.

No Taluk

No of Fair Price shops

BPL card

(Rural)

APL card

(Rural)

BPL card

(Urban)

APL card

(Urban)

Antyodaya cardholders

(U+R) Total

1 H.D.Kote 99 47579 11069 4913 1249 7865 72774

2 Hunsur 137 56785 16440 4546 2076 5719 86611

3 K.R.Nagara 108 57958 10979 8468 2253 5689 85455

4 Mysore Urban

164 61823 18669 22501 11216 7865 122238

5 Mysore Rural

95 39190 8131 3374 1094 3484 55368

6 Nanjangud 64 38317 7278 4333 1415 3723 55130

7 Periyapatna 55 36949 9094 4794 1915 3235 56042

Total 722 338601 81660 53839 21218 37580 533618

Source: Food and Civil Supply Office, Mysore.

Table- 5.6

Report on Taluk-wise Active RCs

Taluk Name AAY APL BPL TOTAL

Heggadadevankote 10577 7956 62156 80689

Hunsur 7626 17629 55259 80514

Krishnarajanagara 6053 13030 48304 67387

Mysore 9155 106627 182661 298443

Nanjangud 4872 14078 87397 106347

Piriyapatna 6828 14711 42203 63742

Tirumakudal-Narsipur 5969 11906 68936 86811

Total 51080 185937 546916 783933


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Food subsidy is the major component of the Public Distribution System

in India. Table – 5.7 gives us the details of the food subsidy in Mysore district

from 2005-06 to 2010-2011. During 2005-06 nearly 29.46 crores subsidy was

given, in 2006-07 it has been declined to 27.40 crores. During 2009-10 highest

subsidy wad given under this scheme i.e., 41.97 crore.

Table-5.7

Food Subsidy in Mysore District

Sl. No Year Food Subsidy (in crores) 1 2005-06 29.46 2 2006-07 27.40 3 2007-08 24.51 4 2008-09 23.94 5 2009-10 41.97 6 2010-11 27.82 7 2011-12 29.75 Total 204.91 Mean 29.1833 Std. Deviation 6.60223 t - value 10.827

Source: Food and Civil Supply Office, Mysore. | 5% significance level

Graph – 5.4

Food Subsidy in Mysore District

Source: Table - 5.7

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5.14. Case Study Analysis

This part deals with the socio-economic background of the sample

respondents in Mysore district. It includes the gender details, age and

educational details of the sample respondents. These details are very

essential in social science research to analyse the status of respondents.

5.15 Sex-wise distribution of the Respondents

The purpose of this analysis is to identify the relative role of male and

female in purchasing the commodities from the FPS. The established fact is

that female members largely influence the purchasing behavior of the family.

This is also true in the case of FPS. The present study found that more than 58

percent of the respondents were female. The taluk wise and category wise

analysis shows that in all districts, the percentages of the female respondents

were more in the case of the weaker sections (Table-5.8). Out of 300

respondents under study 42 percent are from male category and 58 percent

belongs to female category. The percentage clearly indicates that in Mysore

district female have benefited much from PDS than male category.

Table – 5.8

Sex – wise distribution of Respondents

(Figures in Numbers)

Particulars Mysore Nanjangud H.D.Kote Total Grand

Total W NW W NW W NW W NW

Male 5

(10)

34

(68)

10

(20)

40

(80)

15

(30)

22

(44)

30

(20)

96

(64)

126

(42)

Female 45

(90)

40

(80)

40

(80)

10

(20)

35

(70)

28

(56)

120

(80)

54

(36)

174

(58)

Total

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


186

Opined that

Everyday while returning to home after our work we use to go to PDS Centre to purchase rice for supper. The daily wages are the source of our

purchase. If no work no wage and no food.

Source: Field Survey.

5.16 Age-wise distribution of the Respondents

Age is the important factor, which also decides the purchasing

behavior of an individual and establishes the relationship with the market. In

the study, it was found that majority of the respondents in both the

categories were in the age group of 35 to 50 years. Out of 300 respondents

50 respondents are in the age group of 35 years, 182 respondents are in the

age group of 35 to 50 years and 68 respondents are in the age group of

above 50 years. It shows that the middle age group has been maintaining the

relationship with FPS. One of the reasons for this trend is that in many of the

villages, a supervisory committee consisting of persons belongs to different

political parties/associations is formed to oversee the functions of PDS. In

majority of the cases these groups consist of middle age groups. The details

of the age-wise distribution of respondents are presented in Table-5.9.

Table-5.9

Age– wise distribution of Respondents




Up to 35 2

(4) 12

(24) 6

(12) 7

(14) 10

(20) 13

(26) 18

(12) 32

(21.33) 50

(16.67)

35 – 50 40

(80) 30

(60) 27

(54) 32

(64) 22

(44) 31

(62) 89

(59.33) 93

(62) 182

(60.67)

Above 50 8

(16) 8

(16) 17

(34) 11

(22) 18

(36) 25

(50) 43

(28.67) 25

(16.67) 68

(22.66)

Total 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 150

(100) 150

(100) 300

(100)


187

Paired Samples Statistics

Mean N Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean

Pair 1 W 66.00 2 32.527 23.000

NW 59.00 2 48.083 34.000

Paired Samples Test

Paired Differences

t df Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean

Std. Deviation

Std. Error Mean

95% Confidence Interval of the

Difference

Lower Upper

Pair 1

W - NW

7.000 15.556 11.000 -

132.768 146.768 .636 1 .639

5.17 Educational Status of the Respondents

Education as a key social factor plays a dominant role in molding the

behavior of the respondents. This study found that majority of the

respondents in all the sample taluks in Mysore district were literate and

diploma level education (67 percent) was found very common (Table-5.10)

and it was high in Mysore. Further, the respondents with no formal

education (69 percent) were high among weaker section than non-weaker

section. The district-wise analysis shows that respondents with no formal

education were high in Nanjangud than other taluks.

188

Table -5.10

Educational Status of Respondents




No formal

Education

7

(14)

12

(24)

22

(44)

6

(12)

17

(34)

5

(10)

46

(30.66)

23

(15.33)

69

(23)

Primary 18

(36)

20

(40)

5

(10)

3

(6)

14

(28)

4

(8)

37

(24.66)

27

(18)

64

(21.33)

Secondary 4

(8)

9

(18)

4

(8)

14

(28)

3

(6)

2

(4)

11

(7.33)

25

(16.67)

36

(12)

College 3

(6)

5

(10)

3

(6)

18

(360

2

(4)

21

(42)

8

(5.33)

44

(29.33)

52

(17.33)

Diploma 14

(28)

2

(4)

14

(28)

7

(14)

11

(22)

17

(34)

39

(26)

26

(17.33)

65

(21.67)

Others 4

(8)

2

(4)

2

(4)

2

(40

3

(6)

1

(2)

9

(6)

5

(3.33)

14

(4.66)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)



Mean N Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean

Pair 1 W 25.00 6 17.447 7.123

NW 25.00 6 12.410 5.066

Paired Samples Correlations

N Correlation Sig.

Pair 1 W & NW 6 -.006 .990

http://ahara.kar.nic.in/fcsstat/Stat_AAY_APL_BPL_Details.aspx?code=1522001







189

Paired Samples Test

Paired Differences


Mean

Std. Deviation

Std. Error Mean


Difference

Lower Upper

Pair 1

W - NW

.000 21.476 8.767 -22.537 22.537 .000 5 1.000

5.18 Marital Status of the Respondents

The size of the family decides the quantum of essential and

nonessential commodities required for consumption (Table-5.11). Based on

the size of the family the entitlement is fixed and allotment of rice, kerosene,

sugar and other controlled articles is made to FPS. It was found in the study

that Family cards are not only viewed as essential requirement for purchase of

essential articles but also to avail benefits under various Government schemes

and programmes. Even the respondents with joint family had family cards

separately for each family. Hence, majority of the respondents (89.67 percent)

were married. Under un married category we found only 10.33 percent in the

study area.

Table -5.11

Marital Status of the Respondents (Figures in Numbers)



Married 45

(90)

42

(84)

47

(94)

49

(98)

48

(96)

38

(76)

140

(93.33)

129

(86)

269

(89.67)

Unmarried 5

(10)

8

(16)

3

(6)

1

(2)

2

(4)

12

(24)

10

(6.67)

21

(14)

31

(10.33)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300 (100


190


Mean N Std. Deviation Std. Error

Mean

Pair 1

NAME OF W 75.00 2 91.924 65.000

NAME OFNW

75.00 2 76.368 54.000


N Correlation Sig.

Pair 1 NAME OF W & NAME

OFNW 2 1.000 .000

Paired Samples Test

Paired Differences

t df Sig. (2-

tailed)

Mean Std.

Deviation

Std. Error Mean


Difference

Lower Upper

Pair 1

NAME OF W - NAME

OFNW .000 15.556 11.000

-139.768

139.768 .000 1 1.000

5.19 Exposure to Mass Media

This is also another instrument to measure the development. Mass

media like Newspapers, Magazines, Radio and TV play a predominant role

in disseminating information to the mass. Exposure to mass media helps an

individual to increase his level of awareness on the socio-economic life.

Further, news on PDS are always attractive to the mass media as FPS are

always looked as rice, kerosene and sugar distribution centres of

191

Government. Hence, any decision taken by the policymakers on PDS

immediately reach to the nook and corner of the country. In this study it was

found that majority of the respondents have access to more than one source

of media. This helped respondents to have higher level of awareness on the

PDS. The reasons are:

1. Every village panchayats is having common TV for the use of the

public.

2. FM Radio has made easy access to information for the

respondents of Mysore and Nanjangud Districts.

3. As majority of the respondents were literates, they have easy

access to information.

The details of exposure to mass media in the study area are presented

in table-5.12. Out of 300 respondents 67% of the respondents opined that

they have exposed to more than one source. And 14% of the respondents

depends up on TV, 10.67% listen radio and 8.33% of the respondents having

habit of reading news papers/,\magazines.

Table -5.12

Exposure to Mass Media (Figures in Numbers)


Total W NW W NW W NW W NW News

Papers / Magazines

2 (4)

3 (6)

1 (2)

5 (10)

12 (24)

2 (4)

15 (10)

10 (6.67)

25 (8.33)

Radio

3 (6)

15 (30)

4 (8)

3 (6)

5 (10)

2 (4)

12 (8)

20 (13.33)

32 (10.67)

TV

5 (10)

8 (16)

8 (16)

4 (8)

14 (28)

3 (6)

27 (18)

15 (10)

42 (14)

More than one source

40 (80)

34 (48)

37 (74)

38 (76)

19 (38)

43 (86)

96 (64)

105 (70)

201 (67)

Total 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 50

(100) 150

(100) 150

(100) 300

(100)


192


Mean N Std. Deviation Std. Error

Mean

Pair 1

NAME OF W 37.50 4 39.535 19.767

NAME OFNW

37.50 4 45.185 22.592


N Correlation Sig.

Pair 1 NAME OF W & NAME OF

NW 4 .980 .020

Paired Samples Test

Paired Differences

t df Sig. (2-

tailed)

Mean Std.

Deviation

Std. Error Mean

95% Confidence

Interval of the Difference

Lower Upper

Pair 1

NAME OF W - NAME

OFNW .000 10.231 5.115

-16.279

16.279 .000 3 1.000

5.19.1 Type of Ration Card of the Respondents

Table- 5.13 deals with the Type of Ration Card of the respondents in

Mysore District. Out of the 300 respondents 210 respondents are belongs to

BPL category i.e., 70 percent. And 70 percent of the respondents belong to

APL category and only 20 respondents i.e., 6.67 percent of the respondents

holding Anthyodaya ration Cards in the study area.

193

Table-5.13

Type of Ration card of the Respondents

Sl. No Ration card No of

Respondents Percentage

1 BPL 210 70%

2 APL 70 23.33%

3 Anthyodaya 20 6.67%

Total 300 100%


One-Sample Statistics

N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean

Respondents 3 100.00 98.489 56.862

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 1.759 2 .221 100.000 -144.66 344.66

Information about consumer Inconsistent quality is the norm at the

Ration Cards

Table-5.14 clearly denotes the Information about consumers

Inconsistent quality is the norm at the ration cards. Out of 300 respondents

under study only 45 respondents are strongly agreed, 26.67 percent of the

194

respondents agreed and it is pertinent to noted that 43.33percent of the

respondents disagree with the inconsistent quality of the ration cards in the

study area. Only 15 percent of the respondents are strongly disagreeing.

Table-5.14

Information about consumer Inconsistent quality is the norm at the

Ration Cards

Sl. No Particulars No of Respondents Percentage

1 Strongly agree 45 15

2 Agree 80 26.67

3 Disagree 130 43.33

4 Strongly disagree 45 15

Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 75.00 40.208 20.104

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference

95% Confidence Interval of the Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 3.731 3 .034 75.000 11.02 138.98

195

5.20 Contacts with Change Agents

The Government Departments and Non-Governmental Organizations,

as change agents, have relatively contributed for the development of the

village economy in Karnataka. Especially in case of NGOs their number has

been increased during recent times in Karnataka and have been playing a

significant role not only in the development of village, but also managing

FPS through Self Help Groups. The details of the contacts with change

agents of the respondents in study area are presented in table-5.15.

Table-5.15

Contacts with Change Agents (Figures in Numbers)



Government

Departments

4

(8)

6

(12)

2

(4)

3

(6)

12

(24)

5

(10)

18

(12)

14

(9.33)

32

(10.67)

NGOs 27

(54)

29

(58)

3

(6)

4

(8)

2

(4)

2

(4)

32

(21)

35

(23.33)

67

(22.33)

Both 19

(38)

15

(30)

45

(90)

43

(86)

36

(72)

43

(86)

100

(66.67)

101

(33.67)

201

(67)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


In this study it was found that majority of the respondents had

established contact with both Government Department and NGOs. Out of

300 respondents under study 67% of the respondents had established contact

with both government and NGOs. Also interestingly the FPS run by SHGs

have been effective in distribution and reduced the transaction costs.

However, there are also instances, where SHGs failed to effectively manage

the FPS.

196

In the FGD, they said that:

Women have free access to FPS as women SHGs run it. Also we sell non-

controlled items to compete the local shops.


5.21 Occupation of the Respondents

Occupation decides the income level of the individual and ultimately

his purchasing behavior. As far as Karnataka is concerned, during the last

several years due to monsoon failure both the production and productivity in

agriculture have been severely affected. Hence, income status of the

respondents were not separately discussed as there were already classified as

weaker sections and non – weaker sections.

As far as, the occupation of the respondents is concerned majority of

the respondents in the weaker sections category were agricultural coolies,

while majority of the respondents in the non-weaker section category were

farmers. Interestingly, it was found that Government servants, employees in

private organizations, small entrepreneurs, village traders and moneylenders

also have been the customers of FPS Centres as PDS in Karnataka is

universal in nature. In majority of the cases they come to FPS for the

purchase of sugar and wheat. Also, they give their cards to the needy people

for the purchase of rice intern they take the sugar. Though reasons are

varied, the low price of commodities supplied by the FPS was the main

reason. Above all, due to failure of monsoon, even the large scale farmers

depend on FPS for rice. Table- 5.16 denotes the occupation of the

respondents in study area. Out of 300 respondents 46.33% belongs to

agriculture activity, followed by 23% belongs to agricultural labourers and

22% depends up on dairy activity respectively.

197

Table -5.16

Occupation of the Respondents (Figures in Numbers)



Agriculture 19

(38)

4

(8)

17

(34)

25

(50)

22

(44)

26

(52)

58

(38.67)

55

(36.67)

139

(46.33)

Agriculture Labourers

24

(48)

-

22

(44)

23

(46) -

69

(46) -

69

(23)

Dairy 7

(14)

12

(24)

11

(22)

15

(30)

5

(10)

16

(32)

23

(15.33)

43

(28.67)

66

(22)

Sheep rearing -

1

(2) -

2

(4) -

2

(4) -

5

(3.33)

5

(3.33)

Government

servants

1

(2) -

2

(4) -

1

(2) -

4

(2.67)

4

(1.33)

Employees in

Private

Organizations

3

(6)

- 3

(6) -

2

(4) -

8

(5.33)

8

(2.67)

Micro

Entrepreneurs

27

(27) -

2

(4) -

1

(2)

- 30

(20)

30

(10)

Village

traders

1

(2) -

1

(2) -

1

(2) -

3

(2)

3

(10

Money

lenders

2

(4) -

-

-

1

(2) -

3

(2)

3

(10

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


5.22 Purchasing Behavior of the Respondents

It was found that majority of the respondents depend FPS for

controlled articles. Non-controlled business of FPS was not attractive to

rural consumers. It was due to:

1. Non-availability of all non-controlled commodities under one roof

2. Non-availability of price discounts which is available in private shops

3. Location of the FPS is not at the middle of village and above all

4. Non-availability of new stocks.

198

This trend compelled rural consumers to depend private shops for

non-controlled articles. But they demand that non-controlled articles also to

be sold through FPS. Further, the reasons for selecting private agencies by

the respondents were correct rate and weight, quality, better customer

relationship, availability of varieties of commodities, credit facilities,

display of the articles and nearness. The details of purchasing behavior of

respondents in the study area are presented in table-5.17. Out of 300

respondents 48.67% are comes under the controlled articles, 46.67% of the

respondents are comes under the controlled and non-controlled articles.

Table -5.17

Purchasing Behavior of Respondents (Figures in Numbers)

Particulars

Mysore Nanjangud H.D.Kote Total Grand


Controlled 37

(74)

13

(26)

35

(70)

14

(28)

35

(70)

12

(24)

107

(71.33)

39

(26)

146

(48.67)

Non -

Controlled

1

(2)

3

(6)

2

(4)

3

(6)

3

(6)

2

(4)

6

(4)

8

(5.33)

14

(4.67)

Both 12

(24)

34

(68)

13

(26)

33

(66)

12

(24)

36

(72)

37

(24.67)

103

(68.67)

140

(46.67)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


199

5.23 Availability of Goods in Time

Availability of goods in time is another important factor under PDS

system in India in order to provide the goods for the weaker sections of the

society. India achieved self-sufficiency in food production, but that does not

guarantee food security to the poor. A long-term policy on food security

need not be over emphasized, as major portion of an individual income goes

for purchasing food articles. For example, at the all-India level the people

spend on an average about 63 per cent of their total expenditure on food in

the rural areas and about 55 per cent in the urban areas. Of the expenditure

incurred on all food items the expenditure on food grains accounts for 45 per

cent in the rural areas and about 32 per cent in the urban areas. The bottom

30 - 40 per cent of the population spends over 70 per cent of the total

expenditure on food. Of their expenditure on food, the bottom 30-40 per

cent of the population spend about 50 per cent on food grains in the rural

areas and over 40 per cent in the urban areas.

Both the Centre and State Governments have been taking serious

efforts in providing essential commodities in time to the customers. In this

regard the strategy followed in Karnataka is:

1. Making available adequate quantity of essential commodities of

acceptable quality at all times,

2. Ensuring equitable distribution of the available essential

commodities to all sections of the population at easily accessible

places, and

3. Ensuring that the prices are affordable to all sections of the society.

Table -5.18 deals with the availability of goods in time in PDS in the

study area. Out of 300 respondents 57 percent observed that goods available

in time and 43 percent of the respondents are not satisfied about availability

of goods in time in PDS.

200

Table -5.18

Availability of Goods in Time in PDS (Figures in Numbers)



Available 34

(68)

18

(36)

37

(74)

22

(44)

36

(72)

24

(48)

107

(71.33)

64

(42.67)

171

(57)

Not-Available

16

(32)

32

(64)

13

(26)

28

(56)

14

(28)

26

(52)

43

(28.67)

86

(57.33)

129

(43)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


Monitoring prices, market intervention, procurement, buffer stocking

and distribution of essential commodities through PDS are the functions of

the State Government arising out of the above strategies (Government of

Karnataka: 2004, pp-46-47). But during the study, majority of the

respondents opined that goods were not available in time in all FPS (Table-

5.18). The reasons found during the study are:

1. In very many cases the location of FPS is at the headquarter of

PACB, which is normally away from the villages

2. Allotment of goods is not made according to the entitlements but

it is made according to the distribution of goods and opening stock

at FPS level

3. All the goods are not made available always

4. Lack of organic relationship between lead societies and link

societies leads to improper stocking of goods, and

5. Above all the FPS is opened upto 6 pm in all working days,

whereas the workers who return to their homes after 6 pm lack the

opportunity to purchase their entitlements. It was found that by

denying the opportunity to work, respondents had to avail the

benefits under PDS.

201

5.24 Satisfaction over the quantity and quality of goods available

Universal coverage is the hallmark of PDS in Karnataka. Though many

items have been listed as essential commodities in the Essential Commodities

Act, as most of them are freely available in the open market, Government took

efforts to distribute rice (stable food of the people in the State), wheat, sugar,

and kerosene (commonly found short supply) through FPS. But it was widely

opined by the respondents that the goods supplied were inferior in quality and

under weighment. Nearly seventy per cent of the respondents were not satisfied

over the goods supplied. Dissatisfaction is high among the respondents belong

to weaker sections in general and among the respondents belonging to weak

sections of Mysore and Nanjangud taluks in particular. In the case of H.D.Kote

taluk, the dissatisfaction is high among the respondents belonging to non-

weaker sections, than their counterparts as the monsoon failure made them also

to depend FPS for food articles. The details of satisfaction over the goods

available in the study area are presented in table- 5.19.

Table -5.19

Satisfaction over the goods available




Not –

Satisfied

37

(74)

32

(64)

34

(67)

26

(52)

39

(78)

40

(80)

110

(73.33)

98

(65.33)

208

(69.33)

Satisfied 13

(26)

18

(36)

16

(32)

24

(48)

11

(22)

10

(20)

40

(26.67)

52

(34.67)

92

(30.67)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


202

5.25 Reasons for not purchasing commodities during certain times

As already stated full entitlement as per the requirements of cards are

not allotted to the FPS for distribution. Only about 90 per cent of the

entitlement is allotted. The major reason quoted by the officials was that the

cardholders did not lift all the goods. In this study an attempt is made to find

out the causes for the not purchasing the commodities by the cardholders. The

reasons found are (1) Lack of Information on the availability of goods, (2) Lack

of good quality, (3) Lack of income during the time, Irregular supply, (4)

Under-weighment, (5) Non-availability of non-controlled articles, and (6) Lack

of customer relations (Table-5.20). Among these reasons lack of information

on the availability of goods was the major reason quoted by the majority of the

respondents in general (23.33 per cent), and majority of the respondents belong

to weaker sections in Nanjangud (30 per cent) and H.D.Kote (46) taluks. On

the other hand non-availability of non-controlled articles was the major reason

quoted by majority of respondents belongs to non-weaker sections in Mysore

(26 per cent) and H.D.Kote (40 per cent). For majority of the respondents in

non-weaker sections category in Nanjangud taluk (40 per cent) and weaker

sections category in Mysore (34 per cent) lack of good quality was the major

reason for not lifting the PDS articles. Further, the hypothesis ‘very old stocks

are allowed for PDS’ is proved.

203

Table - 5.20

Reasons for not purchasing commodities in certain times




Lack of Information

on the availability

of goods

2

(4)

13

(26)

15

(30)

10

(20)

23

(46)

7

(14)

40

(26.67)

30

(20)

70

(23.33)

Lack of good quality

17

(34)

10

(20)

3

(6)

20

(40)

1

(2)

10

(20)

21

(14)

40

(26.67)

61

(20.33)

Lack of income

during the time

6

(12)

2

(4)

12

(24)

2

(4)

20

(40)

2

(4)

38

(25.33)

6

(4)

44

(14.67)

Irregular supply 2

(4)

1

(2)

2

(4)

2

1

(2)

2

(4)

3

(6)

6

(4)

5

(3.33)

11

(3.67)

Under weighment 2

(4)

2

(4)

2

(4)

1

(2)

2

(4)

3

(6)

6

(4)

6

(4)

12

(4)

Non availability of non controlled

articles

7

(14)

13

(26)

10

(20)

15

(30)

1

(2)

20

(40)

18

(12)

48

(32)

66

(22)

Lack of customer

relations

14

(28)

9

(18)

6

(12)

1

(2)

1

(2)

5

(10)

21

(14)

15

(10)

36

(12)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


Table-5.21 indicates the faulty weights at the ration shop. Out of 300

respondents under the study only 36 respondents are strongly agreed about

the faulty weight at the ration shop and 34 percent of the respondents are

agreed and 16 percent of the respondents are disagreed and 38 percent of the

respondents are strongly disagreed.

204

Table-5.21

Faulty weights at the Ration Shop

Sl. No

Particulars No of Respondents Percentage

1 Strongly agree 36 12%

2 Agree 102 34%

3 Disagree 48 16%

4 Strongly disagree 114 38%

Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 57.75 29.937 14.969

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 3.858 3 .031 57.750 10.11 105.39

205

Graph – 5.5

Faulty weights at the ration shop (in Percent)

Source: Table-5.21

Table-5.22 shows that the respondents are faced corruption and they

have directly bribed the official on more than on occasion. Out of the 300

respondents 48 respondents are opined strongly agreed about the corruption

and have directly bribed the official on more than one occasion, and 16

percent of the respondents are agreed and 18 percent respondents are

disagreed and 50 percent of the respondents are strongly disagreed.

Table-5.22

Faced Corruption and have directly bribed the official on more than on

occasion

Sl. No



2 Agree 48 16%

3 Disagree 54 18%


Total 300 100%


206



Respondents 4 66.00 32.125 16.062

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 4.109 3 .026 66.000 14.88 117.12

Graph – 5.6

Faced Corruption and have directly bribed the official on more than on

occasion (in Percent)

Source : Table-5.22.

207

Table-5.23 indicates the quota of ration allocated for family. Out of

the 300 respondents under study only 6 respondents strongly agreed about

the quota of ration allocated for family and 26 percent of the respondents are

agreed, 46 percent of the respondents are disagreed and 26 percent of the

respondents are strongly disagreed.

Table-5.23

The Quota of Ration Allocated for Family



2 Agree 78 26%

3 Disagree 138 46%


Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 93.00 66.000 33.000

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0


Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

208

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0


Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 2.818 3 .067 93.000 -12.02 198.02

Graph – 5.7

The Quota of Ration Allocated for Family (in Percent)

Source: Table-5.23.

Table-5.24 denotes the current system of public distribution system in

Mysore District. Out of the 300 respondents opined only 15 respondents are

strongly agreed about the current system of public distribution system. And

60 percent of the respondents are agreed and 28 percent of the respondents

are disagreed and 7 respondents opined about strongly disagreed.

209

Table-5.24

The Current System of Public Distribution System

Sl. No



2 Agree 180 60%

3 Disagree 84 28%


Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 89.25 68.075 34.038

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 2.622 3 .079 89.250 -19.07 197.57

The Impact of PDS on Food Security

Table-5.25 interprets the impact of PDS on food security of the

respondents. Out of 300 respondents 174 respondents (58%) opined well

about the impact of PDS on food security and 8 percent of the respondents

opined that bad, and 30 percent of the respondents are satisfied with the PDS

and 4 percent of the respondents are not satisfied.

210

Table - 5.25

The impact of PDS on Food Security


1 Good 174 58%

2 Bad 24 8%

3 Satisfaction 90 30%

4 Not satisfaction 12 4%

Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 77.25 71.932 35.966

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 2.148 3 .121 77.250 -37.21 191.71

Table- 5.26 indicates that the impact of PDS after food security of the

respondents in Mysore District. Out of 300 respondents there is 18

respondents opined about the impact of PDS after food security. And 40

percent of respondents are improved, 16 percent of the respondents are not

bad 38 percent of the respondents are satisfaction.

211

Table-5.26

Food Security after Public Distribution System

Sl. No


1 Very Good 18 6%

2 Improved 120 40%

3 Not bad 48 16%

4 Satisfaction 114 38%

Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 49.50 49.568 24.784

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 1.997 3 .140 49.500 -29.37 128.37

212

Graph – 5.8

Food Security after Public Distribution System

Source: Table-5.26.

Table-5.27 shows that the health condition of the respondents in

Mysore District. Out of the 300 respondents 138 respondents (50%) opined

about health condition is improved and 30 percent of the respondents

gradually improving? And 20 percent of the respondents opined about health

condition can’t say. It is evident from the study that due to PDS health

conditions of weaker sections is improved.

Table-5.27

Health Conditions of Sample Respondents

Sl. No

Particulars No of


1 Improved 138 50%

2 Gradually improving 102 30%

3 Can’t say 60 20%

Total 300 100%


213



Respondents 3 100.00 39.038 22.539

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 4.437 2 .047 100.000 3.02 196.98

Table-5.28 indicates the poverty level after PDS programme in

Mysore District. Out of 300 respondents 162 respondents are answered yes

i.e., 54 % and 138 respondents (46%) are answered no. Hence, it is found

that PDS programme positively impact on poverty reduction in the study

area.

Table-5.28

Impact of PDS Programme on Poverty Level

Sl. No


1 Yes 162 54%

2 No 138 46%

Total 300 100%


214



Respondents 2 150.00 16.971 12.000

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 12.500 1 .051 150.000 -2.47 302.47

5.26 Problems in PDS

As per the study conducted in three taluks of Mysore district for

assessing the perception of beneficiaries about the PDS, generally there was

dissatisfaction among the cardholders. They have reported problems of

inability to obtain ration cards, charging of higher price, infrequent opening of

the FPS, frequent stock-out situations, under-weighing by the FPS owners,

inferior quality of food grains supplied through the PDS, non-awareness of

their entitlement, and non-existence of grievance-redress channel, etc. This

study also found that the cardholders were facing the problems like (1) leakage,

(2) under-weighment, (3) poor quality, (4) non-availability of controlled and

(5) non-controlled articles. In general non-availability of non-controlled articles

was the major problems for majority of the respondents (27.66 per cent), which

is followed by non-availability of essential goods (22.67 per cent), though

category wise responses are different. This might be due to the facts that at

village level consumers are cheated in non-controlled articles trade by local

merchants. The details of the problems in PDS in Mysore district are presented

in table-5.29.

215

Table – 5.29

Problems in PDS




Leakages 4

(8)

7

(14)

1

(2)

12

(24)

2

(4)

14

(28)

7

(4.67)

33

(22)

40

(13.33)

Poor quality and weighment

8

(18)

14

(28)

2

(4)

11

(22)

2

(4)

12

(24)

13

(8.67)

37

(24.67)

50

(16.67)

Non availability of goods

13

(26)

5

(10)

15

(30)

8

(16)

17

(34)

10

(20)

45

(30)

23

(15.33)

68

(22.67)

Non availability of non controlled

goods

11

(22)

19

(38)

22

(44)

6

(12)

22

(44)

3

(6)

55

(36.67)

28

(18.67)

83

(27.66)

Non availability of ration cards

13

(26)

5

(10)

10

(20)

13

(26)

7

(14)

12

(24)

30

(20)

30

(20)

60

(20)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


The respondents’ category wise analysis gives different picture. For

example for the majority of respondents in weaker sections category (27.3

216

per cent) non-availability of ration cards and for non-weaker sections

respondents non-availability of non-controlled articles was the problem in

Mysore district. Though the same problem continues in Nanjangud district,

the respondent category is different. Whereas the majority of the

respondents in non-weaker sections category (28 per cent) leakage was the

problem, while for the majority of the respondents (36.67 per cent) in

weaker sections category non-availability of non-controlled articles was the

problem.

5.27 Problems of Public Distribution System

Basic problems of the public distribution system which are identified

in the course of investigation are as follows;

i. High transportation charges: As most of the village were distant

from the public distribution system shops, it resulted in higher

transportation charges, which were as high as Rs. 20to 40 per bag.

But the rate allowed by the government is Rs. 8 for transportation

of one bag from storage point to retail centre including the

commission.

ii. Inaccessible Villagers: Most of the PDS points were in the

remote area. So the consumers are facing problem to get the ration

from the PDS.

iii. Irregular Supply of Commodities: Besides the inadequate and

insufficient quantities of commodities sold through public

distribution system, irregular supplies of them are another

important problem of public distribution system. Owning to

irregular supply of the rationed items, consumers have to come

time and again to secure, their supplies of one or more items, as

there is no fixed time on which these are made available. In the

absence of fixed time schedule consumers have to visit a fair price

shop several times for obtaining have to single commodity.

217

iv. Black marketing of PDS Commodities: According to Deepak

Ahluwalia, a little more than a third of the food grains and sugar

and over a half of kerosene oil don’t reach the actual users of PDS,

and goes to open market in the form of PDS marketing.

v. Selection of Non-eligible People: In any targeted welfare

programme there are two types of errors that occur due to

imperfect measurement. Errors of wrong exclusion refer to the

exclusion of genuinely poor of deserving households from a

programme, while those wrong inclusion of non-eligible person or

households in a programme.

vi. Low Quality of Food-grains: Quality of commodity is one of the

important considerations in consumer satisfaction. In fact, there

are frequent complaints from large sections of consumers about

the poor quality of goods supplied to them through public

distribution system especially in the case of food grains and sugar.

Under public distribution system the consumer has no choice

about the quality of the product. Under this system whatever

quality goods are available, are distributed to consumers whether

they meet their needs or not. But in the open market system, a

consumer has free choice to buy any commodity of the quality he

chooses.

vii. Problems regarding Ration Cards: Goods under public

distribution system are distributed on presentation of ration card

and on the basis of number of units entered in it. Ration cards are

issued by different governments and semi-government officials at

different levels and they are also renewed form time to time by the

issuing authorities.

It was revealed during the course of investigation by the respondents

that they were faced many in conveniences and difficulties in regard

to the whole procedure in the issue of ration card.

218

The main complaint was with the procedure itself. Various

problems mentioned by the respondents were:

a. Difficulty in filling the prescribed application from by the

illiterate and rural people;

b. Difficulty in getting the information contents of the application

from verified;

c. Difficulty in getting the completed ration card. The

respondents had enumerated their experiences at the time of

taking ration cards, which are mentioned bellow.

viii. Most storage godowns with FCI are small scale, low quality

structures, some

Times grains are also stored in the open leading to heavy losses.

ix. The poor do not have cash to buy 20kg. at a time, and often they

are not Permitted to by in installments.

x. Quota fixed by the supply department for ration cards holders is

insufficient.

5.28 Opinions of Respondents to make PDS more effective

PDS objectives are laudable. They explain the Governments interest

in making the PDS more user friendly and safety net for the poor against

spiraling rise of market prices. However, foregoing analysis shows that there

are certain weaknesses in the system, which needs urgent attention of all the

stakeholders. In this regard the suggestions given by the sample respondents

in Mysore district are given in table-5.30.

219

Table -5.30

Suggestions to make PDS more effective




Increase the

margin and

Salary

12

(24)

6

(12)

8

(16)

10

(20)

7

(14) -

27

(18)

16

(10.66)

43

(14.33)

Reduce number

of cards per FPS

5

(10)

9

(18)

6

(12)

15

(30) -

15

(30)

11

(7.33)

39

(26)

50

(16.66)

Availability of

Non-controlled

articles

14

(28)

10

(20)

10

(20)

12

(24)

12

(24)

10

(20)

36

(24)

32

(21.33)

68

(22.66)

Notice Boards 10

(20)

8

(16)

10

(20) -

8

(16)

8

(16)

28

(18.66)

16

(10.66)

44

(14.66)

Vigilance

committees -

7

(14)

6

(12)

13

(26)

13

(26)

5

(10)

19

(12.66)

25

(16.66)

44

(14.66)

More SHGs 9

(18)

10

(20)

10

(20) -

10

(20)

12

(24)

29

(19.33)

22

(14.66)

51

(17)

Total 50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

50

(100)

150

(100)

150

(100)

300

(100)


It is observed from the study that out of 300 respondents, 22.66

percent of the respondents suggested the availability of non-controlled

articles followed by 17 percent of respondents suggested that more and more

SHGs should be involved in PDS. And 16.66 percent of the respondents

suggested to reduce the number of cards per Fair Price Shops, because it

would be better to get food articles without any delay and conflict.

220

Table-5.31 shows the respondents suggestions for further effective

improvements in PDS in Mysore District. Out of the 300 respondents 78

respondents are answered about the price should be minimized and 20

percent of the respondents suggested to give dualities of food grains, 24

percent of the respondents are suggested that food grains should be supplied

to right time only. And 30 percent of the respondents opined that only to

right persons food grains should be supplied.

Table-5.31

Suggestions for further effective improvements in PDS

Sl. No

Particulars No of


1 Price should be minimized 78 26%

2 To give dualities of food grains 60 20%

3 Right time supply of food grains (cereals)

72 24%

4 Only to right persons food grains should be supplied

90 30%

Total 300 100%




Respondents 4 75.00 12.490 6.245

One-Sample Test

Test Value = 0

t df

Sig. (2-tailed)

Mean Difference


Difference

Lower Upper

Respondents 12.010 3 .001 75.000 55.13 94.87

221

Graph – 5.9

Suggestions for further effective improvements in PDS

Source: Table-5.31

1) Increase the margin to society and salary to salesmen

About 9 per cent of the respondents in the entire category felt that the

margin available to cooperatives for running FPS and salary paid to employees

must be increased. However, they were not aware exact margin and salary

available to societies and employees, respectively. This suggestion might have

come in their mind due to the increasing leakages of PDS articles to the open

market. Also, no one can deny the fact that the FPS salesmen are poorly paid.

Further, their educational qualifications range between matriculations to post-

graduation. However, some employees have got higher salary as they had wage

settlement during the period of Board of Management.

On the other hand the officials of Revenue Department, Cooperation

Department, Local Bodies, etc check the functioning of FPS periodically.

But even after all these checks and inspections malpractices have become

common phenomenon. Hence, the sample respondents felt that increase in

salary to salesmen and margin to the societies would arrest this problem to

certain extent.

222

2) Reduce the number of cards per FPS

As per the guidelines prescribed by the Government, a cardholder

should not travel more than 2 kms to reach FPS and the maximum number of

cards per shop will be 1000 at Municipal Corporation level and 800 at village

level. District Collectors are empowered to open additional FPS even these

guidelines are not satisfied. During the study the sample respondents (8.4 per

cent) opined that the number of cards handled by the FPS should be reduced

from the present level of 800, so as to enable the salesmen to plan the

requirements and distribute the cardholders with out any delay When one

salesmen is made responsible for distributing large number of card holders he

could not distribute more than one article at a time and it seems that even in

some notice boards of FPS bearing the words like ‘today kerosene only

distributed’, even though stocks of the other articles are available.

3) Availability of Non-controlled Articles

Though the respondents felt the importance of FPS in distributing the

rationed articles and control the prices in the open market about 22.5 per

cent of them opined that non-controlled articles also should be made

available in FPS. The reasons they quote are within the purview of the

objectives of the PDS. They are viz.,

a) To make the non-controlled articles available to the rural consumers at

fair price, as they are priced slightly higher than the MRP in rural areas.

b) To put check to the price rise in the local market

c) To increase the business viability of FPS

4) Notice Boards

Name of the FPS, stock position of different commodities, working

hours of FPS, cardholders’ details and allotment, higher officials phone

numbers for compliance, scale of supply, area allotted, etc., are to be

displayed though notice boards at every FPS. But during the field study it

223

was found that notice board was least cared by the personnel concerned and

is poorly maintained. Hence, the respondents (20.6 per cent) felt that notice

board should be kept updated daily.

5) Vigilance Committees

There is separate administrative and supervisory wing is in operation

for food administration at State level. The Commissioner of Civil Supplies

and Consumer Protection is in overall charge. He is assisted by an

Additional Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, one

Joint Commissioner, three Deputy Commissioners, a District Supply Officer

in each District and one Taluk Supply Officer in each Taluk. Allocation of

commodities to FPS is done by the District Supply Officers. The District

Supply Officers and Taluk Supply Officers also inspect the shops and

monitor the lifting and stock position.

Above all to improve the efficiency of the PDS, advisory committees

have been constituted at Village Panchayat, Revenue Divisions, and District

levels with officials concerned, people’s representatives and voluntary

consumer organizations as members. Above all a separate supervisory wing

is functioning under the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to inspect the

PDS. But majority of the (25.7 per cent) sample respondents of this study

opined that they were unaware on the functioning of these committees.

Statistically also the hypothesis ‘monitoring of the scheme is ineffective’ is

proved. They suggest that FPS level vigilance committees are to be created

consisting of officials, cardholders and consumer organizations so as to

make the functioning of FPS more efficiently.

6) More roles for SHGs

Women SHGs have been showing keen interest in running FPS, as it

directly affect their food security and felt that ‘PDS has crated overall

224

benefits to the poor people’. Hence, the hypothesis is proved. Further, it was

found that FPS run by SHGs are away from any political or social problems.

Infact they draw support and patronage from the villagers for running FPS.

The other benefits accrued out their business are:

1. Low transaction cost

2. Free from complaints of under weighment

3. Easy access to women members

4. Availability of non-controlled articles like other village shops, and

above all

5. Extended working hours for the facility of the villagers.

Hence, for about 17 per cent of the respondents opined that more

roles must be given for women SHGs to run FPS in Mysore district.

5.29 Conclusion

From the above it is observed that at Government level all efforts are

taken to make the system more effective and ensure the availability, affordability

and accessibility of PDS articles to the poor. But the responses of sample

respondents of this study showed different picture and unearthed that PDS is

suffering from problems like leakages, poor quality and under weighment, non-

availability of controlled as well as non-controlled articles, and non-availability

of ration cards. As the main objective of PDS is to provide safety net to the poor

against spiraling rise in price, the selling of non-controlled articles through FPS

is not away from the scope of PDS. Above all non-controlled articles trade will

strengthen the business viability of FPS. Further, increased margin to

cooperatives, and better salary to employees, reduction in the number of cards to

be handled by a FPS, maintaining and updating the Notice Boards at every FPS,

formation of vigilance committees at every FPS level and providing more role to

women SHGs are the viable options put by the sample respondents for policy

making to strengthen the PDS, which cannot be ignored.

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