Under which plan was the Public Distribution System (PDS) for food grains launched at a national scale?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is 5th Five Year Plan.
Explanation:
☛ The Public Distribution System (PDS) was expanded and established on a nationwide universal scale during the 5th Five Year Plan (1974–1979).
☛ Although rationing had started during World War II (1939), it was during the 1970s that the government institutionalized PDS as a permanent social welfare measure to supply essential food grains at subsidized prices.
☛ The main objective during this plan was to ensure food security for economically vulnerable sections and curb price volatility in open markets.
☛ The Food Corporation of India (FCI) played a key role in the procurement, storage, and transportation of food grains to states for distribution under this system.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ 2nd Five Year Plan (1956–1961): Based on the Mahalanobis Model, it focused primarily on rapid industrialization and heavy industries.
☛ 4th Five Year Plan (1969–1974): Emphasized growth with stability and progressive achievement of self-reliance, witnessing the nationalization of 14 major commercial banks in 1969.
☛ 6th Five Year Plan (1980–1985): Focused on direct poverty alleviation programs such as the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).
☛ Revamped PDS (RPDS): Launched in June 1992 to strengthen food distribution in remote, hilly, and inaccessible areas.
☛ Targeted PDS (TPDS): Introduced in June 1997 to focus food grain subsidies specifically on beneficiaries Below the Poverty Line (BPL).
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year was the Food Corporation of India (FCI) established? → 1965
☛ Which statutory body recommends the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India? → Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)
☛ Under which Five Year Plan was the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' introduced? → 5th Five Year Plan
☛ In which year was the National Food Security Act (NFSA) passed? → 2013
☛ Which department administers the Public Distribution System at the central level? → Department of Food and Public Distribution