At a time when inflation is poised to top 12%,for the poor, particularly for families in the socalled below poverty line, or BPL, category, the public distribution system, or PDS, is one means that can mitigate the ill effects as it provides subsidized foodgrains and kerosene. However, a Transparency International India-Centre for Media Studies survey reveals that 6% of the 47.23 million BPL households had to pay a bribe to avail of the services. The study looked at corruption at the point of contact and did not address the issues of leakages from the public delivery system.
See the detailed report here
Read first part of the current series here
Read the six-part 2007 series here