End-line evaluation of the target public distribution reforms project in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) 2014-2019

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) passed in 2013 marked a paradigm shift in the existing TPDS structure, moving from the delivery of subsidized food grains to a rights-based approach.

For Odisha, the TPDS reforms project were supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), India by formulating and implementing a plan for identification of right beneficiaries for delivery of food grains and for its distribution in a transparent and accountable manner at the Fair Price Shops (FPS), using technology and automation as the means to improve the overall efficiency and performance of the TPDS.

WFP India commissioned Sambodhi Research and Communications Private Limited (Sambodhi), India, to conduct an end-line activity evaluation of the TPDS reforms package in Bhubaneswar block and municipal corporation (MC), Odisha. The end-line activity evaluation covers the period of 2014 to 2019 and compares the results with the baseline evaluation conducted earlier in 2014.

The overall purposeof the end-line evaluation is to strengthen accountability by assessing performance and results of the TPDS reforms project and draw actionable learnings to inform operational and strategic decision making. The key measures for the end-line evaluation included assessing beneficiary targeting errors; service satisfaction and convenience among beneficiaries and FPS owners; and perception on the effectiveness of the existing grievance redressal mechanism.