Public Distribution System

Public Distribution System

Public Distribution system, abbreviated as PDS is the food security system of India established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, by the Government of India. It is managed jointly by the various state governments of India. The major job of this Public Distribution system in India is the distribution of food and non-food items to the population of the country via Public Distribution Shops, also known as Ration shops. The items distributed include rice, wheat, kerosene, etc. The Food Corporation of India maintains the PDS.

Evolution of public distribution of grains in India traces its origin to the rationing system introduced by the British during the Second World War. The PDS system has a relevant role in satisfying the food demands of the country and eliminating the threats of famines from the country. Still it is a popularly believed that the grains distributed by the PDS system are not enough to feed those lying below poverty line, due to the shortage of food materials, and also because of the inferior quality of food stuff.

It is the responsibility of both the central and the state governments, to maintain and regulate the PDS. While the central government is responsible for the procurement and storage of food materials, the state government is responsible for its distribution.

The public distribution functions via Fair Price Shops which are located in various states of India. There are about 5 lakhs such shops in the nation. They are locally known as ration shops, and sell food and other non-food materials at a price lower than the market price.

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