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What was the main objective of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?
  • a)
    To provide essential goods at market prices
  • b)
    To distribute foodgrains at government-controlled prices to vulnerable sections
  • c)
    To promote agricultural exports
  • d)
    To reduce the overall production of foodgrains
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Saha answered
The main objective of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India is to distribute foodgrains at government-controlled prices to vulnerable sections.

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government initiative implemented to ensure food security and reduce hunger among the vulnerable sections of the society. It aims to provide essential commodities at affordable prices to those who are unable to purchase them at market rates. The PDS is an important component of the government's efforts to address poverty and malnutrition in the country.

Key Objectives of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India:

1. Food Security: The primary objective of the PDS is to ensure food security for the vulnerable sections of the society, including the poor, marginalized, and economically weaker sections. It aims to provide them with access to affordable and adequate foodgrains.

2. Price Stabilization: The PDS helps in stabilizing the prices of essential commodities by procuring foodgrains from farmers at minimum support prices (MSP) and distributing them at subsidized rates. This prevents price fluctuations and ensures that essential commodities are available at reasonable prices.

3. Poverty Alleviation: The PDS plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation by providing subsidized foodgrains to the poor and economically disadvantaged sections of the society. It helps in reducing their expenditure on food and ensures that they have access to nutritious food.

4. Nutritional Support: The PDS aims to improve the nutritional status of the vulnerable sections by providing them with essential commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, and edible oil. This helps in addressing malnutrition and improving the overall health of the population.

5. Rural Development: The PDS also contributes to rural development by creating demand for agricultural produce, especially foodgrains. It provides a market for farmers to sell their produce at MSP and encourages agricultural production.

Conclusion:

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has the main objective of distributing foodgrains at government-controlled prices to vulnerable sections. It aims to ensure food security, stabilize prices, alleviate poverty, provide nutritional support, and promote rural development. The PDS plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and malnutrition, especially among the economically weaker sections of society.

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