Analysis of disturbances in Gujarat (from January 1,1974 to January 28, 1974): the food problem and suggestion

Abstract

Recent disturbances in Gujarat were analyzed and it was observed that the major cause of the disturbance was non - availability of food grains from the fair price shops particularly in the urban areas of Gujarat. This happened because both the State and the Central Governments failed to appreciate the acuteness of the problem and could not manage the the procurement and distribution of food grains. The analysis shows that the disturbances were restricted to the urban areas because after the wheat takeover the normal channels of food grain distribution in the open market had dried up and the public distribution could not supply food grains to the vulnerable sections. Suggestions are made how the problem could be tackled in the short run and in the long run.