Public Distribution System (PDS) is being implemented under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 in all States/UTs. The Act provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving foodgrains (rice, wheat & coarsegrains) at highly subsidized rates i.e. Rs. 3/2/1 per kg respectively. Under the Act eligible families comprise of Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families.
At present total 23.4 crore ration cards are covered under NFSA comprising 21.2 crore PHH ration cards and 2.2 crore AAY ration cards.
Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under the joint responsibility of the central and State/UT Governments. As per clause 9 of TPDS (Control) Order, 2015, the license of FPS shall be issued by State Government and preference shall be accorded to public .institutions or public bodies such as panchayats, self help groups, cooperative societies in licensing of FPSs and management of FPSs by women or their collectives.
As reported by the State Govt. of Rajasthan, 9557 Gram Panchayats have 20674 Fair Price Shops under PDS.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri C.R. Chaudhary today in Lok Sabha.
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