With reference to Public Distribution System (PDS), consider following statements

1. Under it food grains are distributed at affordable prices.
2. It is a central sector scheme.
3. It is established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Select the correct statement.

• PDS has evolved as a system of management of scarcity through distribution of food grains at affordable prices. Hence the statement 1st is correct.
• PDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State Governments.The Central Government has assumed the responsibility for procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of food grains to the State Governments.
• The operational responsibilities including allocation within the State, identification of eligible families, issue of Ration Cards and supervision of the functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) etc., rest with the State Governments. Hence the statement 2 nd is incorrect.
• PDS is established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Hence the statement 3rd is correct.

By: Shubham Tiwari