Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India: 1. In the beginning, the coverage of PDS was universal with no discrimination between the poor and the non-poor. 2. The Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was introduced in 1992 to provide benefits to remote and backward areas. 3. The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) introduced in 1997 adopted a differential price policy for the poor and non-poor for the first time. Which of the following statements are correct ?

The correct option is (d). Explanation The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India serves as a primary instrument for ensuring food security. Over the decades, its structure has evolved from a general entitlement scheme to a targeted welfare mechanism aimed at reducing fiscal burden and ensuring benefits reach the vulnerable. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Until 1992, the PDS was a general entitlement scheme for all consumers without any specific target group. It was universal in coverage, meaning there was no discrimination between the poor and the non-poor regarding access or pricing. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was launched in June 1992. It marked the first attempt to target specific geographical areas. It focused on 1,700 blocks located in drought-prone, desert, hilly, and tribal areas to improve food grain access in remote and backward regions. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was introduced in June 1997. It replaced the RPDS and introduced a dual pricing structure for the first time. It distinguished beneficiaries into Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) households, offering food grains to the poor at heavily subsidized rates. Key Takeaway: The structural evolution of PDS in India followed the sequence: Universal PDS (General access) → RPDS (Geographic targeting, 1992) → TPDS (Income-based targeting with differential pricing, 1997).

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution… - NCERT Class 9 Economics MCQ

NCERT Class 9 Economics — Chapter 4: Food Security in India

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India:

In the beginning, the coverage of PDS was universal with no discrimination between the poor and the non-poor.
The Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was introduced in 1992 to provide benefits to remote and backward areas.
The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) introduced in 1997 adopted a differential price policy for the poor and non-poor for the first time.

Which of the following statements are correct ?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Economics - class 9 · Page 49

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India serves as a primary instrument for ensuring food security. Over the decades, its structure has evolved from a general entitlement scheme to a targeted welfare mechanism aimed at reducing fiscal burden and ensuring benefits reach the vulnerable.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Until 1992, the PDS was a general entitlement scheme for all consumers without any specific target group. It was universal in coverage, meaning there was no discrimination between the poor and the non-poor regarding access or pricing.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was launched in June 1992. It marked the first attempt to target specific geographical areas. It focused on 1,700 blocks located in drought-prone, desert, hilly, and tribal areas to improve food grain access in remote and backward regions.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was introduced in June 1997. It replaced the RPDS and introduced a dual pricing structure for the first time. It distinguished beneficiaries into Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) households, offering food grains to the poor at heavily subsidized rates.

Key Takeaway:
The structural evolution of PDS in India followed the sequence: Universal PDS (General access) → RPDS (Geographic targeting, 1992) → TPDS (Income-based targeting with differential pricing, 1997).

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Food Security in India

In the study of food security, the concept of “entitlements” explains access to food beyond mere availability. This framework was introduced by:

easy

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Organization) | List II (Region/Operation) A. Mother Dairy | 1. Gujarat (Milk) B. Amul | 2. Tamil Nadu (Run by cooperatives) C. Academy of Development Science | 3. Delhi (Milk and Vegetables) D. Fair Price Shops | 4. Maharashtra (Grain Banks)

easy

Which of the following food intervention programmes was introduced in 1975 on an experimental basis?

medium

Consider the following statements summarizing the food security scenario in India: 1. Food security is ensured if all citizens have enough nutritious food available and the capacity to buy it. 2. The worst affected groups are landless people in rural areas and casual labourers in urban areas. 3. The Public Distribution System (PDS) is the only programme ensuring food security in India. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was the first to adopt which principle?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 4: Food Security in India

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