Explain the working of public distribution system (PDS) and the Targeted public distribution system (TPDS) to make food available to economically weaker sections of the society.

The Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) are government-run initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and making essential food items available to economically weaker sections of society in India.

1. Public Distribution System (PDS):

   • Under PDS, the government procures essential food commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized rates from farmers or through imports.
   • These commodities are distributed through a network of Fair Price Shops (FPS) to eligible beneficiaries at lower-than-market prices.
   • PDS operates on a universal basis, covering both rural and urban areas, with the aim of providing food security to all citizens.

2. Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS):

   • TPDS was introduced to improve the effectiveness of food subsidy programs by targeting specific beneficiaries based on their socioeconomic status.
   • Eligibility criteria are determined through state-specific Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) lists, identifying households that are most in need of food assistance.
   • TPDS provides higher levels of food subsidy to targeted beneficiaries, ensuring that the economically weaker sections receive adequate food support.

Both PDS and TPDS are crucial in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations by making essential food items affordable and accessible. These systems aim to reduce poverty and improve nutritional outcomes by ensuring a steady supply of subsidized food grains and other essential commodities to those who need them the most.