Explain four features of Public Distribution System
Answers
1. States to identify families Below the Poverty Line (BPL) who would be issued 10 kgs of food grains per month per family at prices less than the Central Issue Price (CIP).
2. Population above the poverty line (non-poor) now under PDS to continue to receive normal entitlement at the full CIP.
3. Supply of food grains for the people BPL at 10 kgs per month per family shall be guaranteed to States by the Centre. Additional quantities required by the States would depend on the availability of stocks in the central pool.
4. States will be free to add to the quantum, coverage and the subsidy from their own resources.
5. Subsidised food grains will also be issued to all beneficiaries under EAS/JRY as per guidelines at the rate of 1 kg per man day for which food coupons would be issued to beneficiaries for exchanging at fair price shops.