IMPACT OF PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ON FOOD SECURITY –A STUDY OF THE TRIBAL PEOPLE IN THE TWO BLOCKS OF PURULIA DISTRICT IN WEST BENGAL

Purulia occupies 3rd position in terms of share of tribal population in West Bengal, where 18.45% of its population belong to the tribal communities (Census, 2011). It is one of the most backward districts of West Bengal and here people suffer from insufficiency of food and inadequate nutrition. In this study, we have investigated the status of food insecurity of 240 tribal households in the two tribal dominated blocks, namely Arsha and Balarampur. The result of the study shows that 67.65% of tribal households suffer from food insecurity. Results from probit regression regarding the impact of PDS along with other determinants on the food insecurity reveal that per day per capita calorie from PDS, possessing ration card have significant negative impact, while monthly family income, holding land have significant positive impact on food insecurity.