The Public Distribution System (PDS) of India plays a crucial role in reducing food insecurity by acting as a safety net by distributing essentials at a subsidised rate. While the PDS forms a cornerstone of government food and nutrition policy, India continues to be home to a large population of hungry and malnourished people. This review seeks to explore the functioning and efficiency of the PDS in achieving food and nutritional security in India. A comprehensive and systematic search using the key terms “food insecurity” OR “food security” AND “Public Distribution System” OR “PDS” OR “TPDS” AND “India” identified 23 articles which met the inclusion criteria. This review draws attention to the lack of published literature in areas of PDS and food security in India. The findings of the review emphasise the role of PDS in tackling hunger and malnutrition while highlighting its limited role in improving food security and childhood mortality due to operational inefficiencies. The PDS has the potential to act as a solution to food insecurity in India if the operational inefficiencies and environmental footprints are addressed by adequate policy reforms.
24 September 2024 in Health Promotion Journal of Australia
Issue Addressed: International students are at a heightened risk of experiencing negative health and wellbeing outcomes, which was further exacerbated during the COVID‐19 lockdowns. This research sought to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the health and wellbeing of international students in Australia.Methods: Thirty‐one international students participated in qualitative in‐depth interviews between March and April 2022 to explore their experiences of health and wellbeing during 2020–2021 while they lived and studied in Australia. Interviews were coded and analysed thematically using NVivo software.Results: Findings highlight the impact of the pandemic on international students' mental, social and financial wellbeing, including worry about loved ones, social isolation, financial and employment insecurity and challenges related to online learning. The pandemic exacerbated and brought more attention to existing issues and placed students in unequal positions in relation to domestic students and each other.Conclusions: The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased students' vulnerability to poor mental health and to a range of social and financial issues.So What?: The findings of this study highlight the need for support strategies to improve international students' mental health and social wellbeing outcomes in Australia.