The targeted Public Distribution System.

What is public distribution system?

Public distribution system refers to the system under which various consumer goods are sold at a reasonable price to the poor public, especially the weaker section consumers, at fixed prices.  In this system, various commodities (wheat, rice, sugar, imported edible oil, coal, kerosene etc.) are sold through rationed consumer stores.  The rate of profit for these vendors is fixed and they have to sell certain prices and certain quantity of goods to the ration holders.

The Government of India introduced the targeted public distribution system in June 1997 with a focus on the poor. Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the states were required to formulate and implement a robust system of identification of the poor to deliver food grains and distribute them in a transparent and accountable manner at the appropriate store level.

 There are three types of ration cards under Public Distribution System - BPL card, APL card and Antyodaya card. The public distribution system is run by the central and state governments. Food grains and other items are allocated to the states by the Center and the value of these items is also decided.  The state has the right to include transportation expenses etc. in the price fixed by the Center.  The transportation, storage, distribution and inspection of goods received under this system is done by the state government.  State governments, if they want, other items that they can buy, included in the public distribution system

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