Indian public distribution system in a supply chain perspective: a critical review and the way forward

Author(s):  
Prem Vrat ◽  
K. Mathiyazhagan ◽  
Ajay Bohtan
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumanta Das ◽  
Akhilesh Barve ◽  
Naresh Chandra Sahu ◽  
Devendra K. Yadav

PurposeThis paper aims to identify, analyze and evaluate the major enablers for the sustainable public distribution system (PDS) supply chain in India in lessening food insecurity by distributing essentials food grains at a subsidized rate.Design/methodology/approachThe major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain were explored by conducting the literature survey and discussion with academic and warehouse experts. Then, the fuzzy-DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) technique was applied to develop a causal model that analyses the interaction among the identified enablers.FindingsThis study recognizes fifteen enablers through literature survey and experts' opinions. The present work concludes that “proper identification of the PDS beneficiaries” and “willingness and commitment of the top management and policymaker” are the two major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThis work would be helpful for profoundly understanding the major enablers, and how they are affecting the entire PDS supply chain. The study would be beneficial for the general people and the entire society straightforwardly by providing suggestions for food security.Originality/valueIdentifying and analyzing the major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain helps to visualize the problem more effectively and efficiently. Besides, the causal model explains a comprehensive perspective on the identified enablers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1066-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Ambekar ◽  
Rohit Kapoor ◽  
Peeyush Mehta

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for mapping the Indian Public Distribution System (PDS) using multi-agent system (MAS). The entire PDS supply chain from purchase to the distribution is mapped in detail by integrating stages of PDS supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Literature related to PDS, food grain supply chain (FGSC) and MAS is reviewed and critically assessed. Based on this a framework is proposed which will help in improving functioning of PDS. Findings – The PDS has many shortcomings arising from its complex structure and practices which are used to implement it. The authors propose an MAS to model it in which each entity will be modelled as an agent. The authors propose two stages of supply chain. First stage models the processes from procurement to storage of food grain and second stage model the distribution process. Practical implications – This paper will be of interest to the policy makers and decision makers involved in the PDS by providing the shortfalls in the system and also suggesting a method to model the PDS based on practices of food supply chains. Originality/value – This paper provides the decision makers in the PDS, a framework to model and assess the entire supply chain. This will help them in effective implementation of the PDS and also improve in the areas of concerns which are pointed the study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 692-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Ambekar ◽  
Rohit Kapoor

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the distribution stage of the public distribution system (PDS) and optimize the inventory policy during this stage of the PDS to address some of the inefficiencies present in the system. This study models this supply chain as a multistage supply chain consisting of storage depots, issue centers, fair price shops and card holders.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage modeling approach is used to model the distribution stage in the PDS. In the first stage, the authors developed a simulation model for periodic review-based stock policy with appropriate assumptions. This helped minimize the total supply chain cost (TSCC). The TSCC consists of three cost elements, namely, ordering cost, holding cost and shortage cost. These three cost elements, in turn, depend on inventory policy parameters, such as review periods and base stock levels, at various echelons. In the second stage, a Genetic Algorithm based optimization approach was used.FindingsA set of optimal policy parameters was identified. It is observed that base stock levels at issue centers are higher as compared to those in the FPS and the TSCC is less in scenario, when backorder cost is equal to the holding cost.Practical implicationsPresent study will be useful to policy makers in improving PDS performance. This optimization of inventory policies helps actors in the PDS supply chain to choose appropriate policy parameters in the present inventory policy so as to reduce the overall distribution cost.Originality/valueUnlike the previous researchers who examined the PDS from the social security perspective and tried to address specific problems to improve functioning of the PDS, this study looked at the problem as a supply chain-related problem and optimized the inventory parameters in one of the subsets of the PDS supply chain.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anup Kumar

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analytically examine the viability of using blockchain technology (BT) in a public distribution system (PDS) supply chain to overcome issues of shrinkage, misplacement and ghost demand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a standard news vendor model with two objectives, the first of which includes a reduction of the total cost of stock, while the second includes minimization of the negative impact of human suffering due to the nonavailability of subsidized food supplies to the needy people.FindingsThe authors applied the model to a real-life case to draw meaningful insights. The authors also analyzed the cost/benefit tradeoff of adopting BT in a PDS supply chain. The results show that the adoption of BT in a charitable supply chain can reduce pilferage and ghost demand significantly.Originality/valueThe paper is positioned for utilizing inventory visibility via consistent and tamper-resistant data stream flow capability of BT to enhance the overall efficiency of PDS. Notably, Indian PDS faces three major challenges in terms of its supply chain efficiency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Esp01) ◽  
pp. 01
Author(s):  
Robert Ari Waker ◽  
Irenilza De Alencar Nääs ◽  
Arias Gilson Duarte ◽  
Fabio Papalardo

Retail has undergone several transformations over the years. The main reason is due to the digital transformation that is occurring in business, changing all processes and, as a consequence, consumer behavior. This new retail model, much more interactive and integrated, is taking over the market. Retail distribution systems are considered multi- or omni- channel systems when consumers can place orders to buy products: online, physically and online in the stores. Nowadays, most companies try to increase their sales using this recent business model called omni-channel retailing. This is changing the way companies sell their products. These changes can be seen both in the internal logistics of retailers and in the structure and processes of the supply chain. It integrates two existing distribution systems: the retail distribution system and the consumer distribution system. The current study aims to understand this model that integrates the digital and offline and raise its key implications for the strategies applied in logistics.  


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