ABSTRACT
In June, 1997, the Government of India launched the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) with a focus on the poor. TPDS is administered under the Public Distribution System (PDS) (Control) Order 2001 that was notified under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA). For the delivery of food grains to poor households, the Act relies on TPDS which has been in operation since 1997. Fortified rice promotion is based on the 2019 centrally sponsored experience of a pilot scheme on fortification of rice and its distribution under the PDS for a period of 3 years by the Department of Food and Public Distribution System. PDS has evolved as a system of management of scarcity of food through distribution of food grains at affordable prices. The benefits of PDS in ensuring food and nutrition security of the nation as well as in stabilising the food prices and making food available to the poor at affordable prices is well recognised.
