**Public Distribution System (PDS) and Fair Price Shops**

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government-sponsored program in India that aims to provide basic food and non-food items to the economically disadvantaged sections of society at affordable prices. It is one of the largest initiatives undertaken by the Indian government to ensure food security and reduce poverty.

**Fair Price Shops (FPS)** play a crucial role in the implementation of the Public Distribution System. These shops act as the primary distribution point where eligible beneficiaries can purchase essential commodities at subsidized rates.

**Working of PDS and Fair Price Shops:**

1. **Identification of Beneficiaries:** The government identifies eligible beneficiaries based on certain criteria such as income level, employment status, and social categories. These beneficiaries are issued ration cards, which serve as proof of their eligibility to avail benefits under the PDS.

2. **Allocation and Procurement:** The government allocates food grains and other essential commodities to each state based on their population and other factors. The procurement of these items is done by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other designated agencies.

3. **Storage and Transportation:** The procured food grains and commodities are stored in warehouses and go-downs. From there, they are transported to the various fair price shops located in different areas.

4. **Supply to Fair Price Shops:** The fair price shops receive the allocated quantities of food grains, sugar, kerosene, and other essential items from the government. These shops are required to sell these items to the beneficiaries at subsidized rates.

5. **Issue of Ration:** When beneficiaries visit the fair price shops, they need to present their ration cards to purchase the allocated items. The shopkeepers verify the details on the ration card and provide the beneficiaries with the specified quantity of goods.

6. **Pricing and Subsidy:** The prices of essential commodities at fair price shops are significantly lower than the market rates. The government provides a subsidy on these items to ensure affordability for the economically weaker sections of society.

7. **Monitoring and Grievance Redressal:** The government monitors the functioning of the PDS and fair price shops to ensure transparency and prevent leakages. Grievance redressal mechanisms are also in place to address any complaints or issues faced by beneficiaries.

**Conclusion:**
The Public Distribution System is associated with fair price shops as they are the primary distribution points for essential commodities provided under the program. These shops play a crucial role in ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can access basic food and non-food items at affordable prices, thereby promoting food security and poverty reduction.

Public distribution system is fair price shop. This facility of pds in provided by ration shops. White card is required to acquire commodity in pds.