Food Security and the PDS in India
How the Public Distribution System Works
Grain flows from farmers to government warehouses to fair price shops, managed jointly by the Centre and states.
The system has several links.
Procurement
The Food Corporation of India and state agencies buy wheat and rice from farmers at the minimum support price.
Storage
Grain is stored in godowns across the country.
Allocation
The Centre allocates grain to states, and states deliver it to about five lakh fair price shops.
Beneficiaries
Ration card holders collect grain each month, often after biometric verification.
From farm to plate
Wheat bought in Punjab is stored, moved by train, and sold at a ration shop in Bihar.
Thinking only the Centre runs PDS
States handle last-mile distribution.
Key takeaways
- FCI procures grain at MSP.
- Godowns store it.
- Fair price shops distribute it.
- Centre and states share roles.
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