The correct answer is option 'A'. Alternative name for ration shops is "Fair Price Shops." These shops are government-run retail outlets that sell essential commodities such as food grains, sugar, and kerosene oil, at a price below the market rate. These shops are usually set up to provide essential commodities at a fair and affordable price, especially to people who are below the poverty line or belong to vulnerable sections of society.

Alternative name for ration shops is Fair Price Shops.

Explanation:
Ration shops are also known as Fair Price Shops (FPS) in India. These shops are set up by the government to provide essential food items like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene oil to the weaker sections of the society at a subsidized rate. The main aim of the ration shop system is to ensure food security to the poor and to prevent hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities.

Features of Fair Price Shops:

1. Subsidized Rates: The items sold in these shops are sold at a subsidized rate which means that they are sold at a much lower price than the market rate.

2. Essential Commodities: The shops sell essential items like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene oil.

3. Government Control: The government regulates the prices of the commodities sold in these shops.

4. Targeted at Weaker Sections: The Fair Price Shops are targeted at the weaker sections of the society who are not able to afford the market prices.

5. Ration Card System: The customers need to have a ration card to purchase items from these shops. The ration card is issued by the government and it specifies the quantity of items that can be purchased by the cardholder.

Conclusion:
Thus, Fair Price Shops are an important component of the public distribution system in India and play a crucial role in ensuring food security to the poor.