Who do ICDS and PDS Exclude and What Can be Done to Change This?
Abstract
This article looks at the specifics of who the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) exclude and what can be done to change this. It discusses three different types of exclusion: official exclusion, typically from committing too few resources; implementation flaws; and flawed policy. The article argues that persistence with a poverty cutoff simply perpetuates exclusion. However, the progressive impact of improved judiciability of exclusion due to implementation flaws while making a case for tightening the system cannot be overstated. The article suggests three ways forward: (1) make rights desirable to encourage people to make claims and make ICDS and PDS more universal; (2) ensure that potential innovations such as biometrics, coupons and cash transfers empower the poor, not just the bureaucrats; and (3) empower citizens to fix the ICDS and PDS which will in turn help fix the overall food system.
Citation
Swain, B. and Kumaran, M. (2012) Who do ICDS and PDS Exclude and What Can be Done to Change This?. IDS Bulletin 43: 32-39DOI
10.1111/j.1759-5436.2012.00344.xIs part of series
IDS Bulletin Vol. 43 Nos.Rights holder
© 2012 The Authors. IDS Bulletin © 2012 Institute of Development StudiesCollections
- Volume 43. Issue s1 [17]