Answer: The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government system that provides essential goods, such as rice and wheat, at affordable prices, especially to eligible low-income households.
It has three essential elements:
- Procurement: The government purchases food grains from farmers, often at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Storage: The grains are stored safely in government warehouses to help manage shortages.
- Distribution: Ration shops distribute essential goods to eligible families at subsidised prices.
Example: An eligible family can buy its allotted quantity of subsidised rice or wheat from a ration shop.
Remember: PDS = Procurement + Storage + Distribution.
