UPSC Notes

Food Security Schemes & Public Distribution System

PYQs

10

Articles

2

Momentum

27

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept directly addresses fundamental issues of poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, which are critical for social justice and human development. It highlights the role of both central (NFSA) and state governments in ensuring food security and the financial implications of such welfare programs.

Food security schemes are government programs designed to ensure access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food for all, especially vulnerable populations. The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a key component of India's food security architecture, distributing essential food commodities at subsidized prices.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana

New scheme to provide an additional 5 kg of rice per month free of cost.

Beneficiaries

All beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).

Total Rice Entitlement

Every beneficiary to receive 10 kg of rice free of cost every month (5kg existing + 5kg additional).

Scale & Cost

Benefits 3.28 crore beneficiaries (80% of state population); annual state expenditure of ₹8,813 crore.

Joint Responsibility

Operated jointly by the Central and State Governments, with the Centre responsible for procurement, storage, and allocation, and States for distribution, beneficiary identification, and supervision of Fair Price Shops (FPS).

Legal Entitlement

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, legally entitles beneficiaries to receive subsidized food grains, making food security a legal right for a significant portion of the population.

Commodities

Primarily distributes wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene, with some states also including pulses and edible oils.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development
Conceptual areaPoverty & Hunger Alleviation
Conceptual areaPublic Finance & Subsidies
Conceptual areaFood Security
Conceptual areaPoverty Alleviation

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Odisha GovernmentImplements
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Central)Oversees (nfsa)
Food Corporation of India (FCI)Procures, stores, and transports food grains for pds
State Food & Civil Supplies DepartmentsResponsible for distribution, beneficiary identification, and supervision of fair price shops (fps)
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Odisha launches Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana.
  • Provides additional 5 kg free rice/month to NFSA/SFSS beneficiaries.
  • Total free rice entitlement becomes 10 kg/month.
  • Covers 3.28 crore beneficiaries (80% of state).
  • Significant annual state expenditure (₹8,813 crore).

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Social Justice & DevelopmentPoverty & Hunger AlleviationPublic Finance & SubsidiesFood Security

Odisha CM announces free education from KG to PG in govt. institutions

13 Jun 2026 · Odisha's Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana will provide an additional 5 kg of free rice monthly to NFSA and SFSS beneficiaries, increasing their total free rice to 10 kg, covering 80% of the state's population and incurring significant state expenditure to strengthen food security.

Read article

How to break the ration-shop monopoly in PDS

22 Oct 2026 · PDS is India's backbone for food security, providing subsidized essentials. Jointly managed by Centre and States under NFSA 2013, it faces challenges like leakages and operational inefficiencies, driving ongoing reforms for better targeting and delivery.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Food Security Schemes & Public Distribution System

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 10 linked questions on Food Security Schemes & Public Distribution System in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Food Security Schemes & Public Distribution System

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? 1. Minimum Support Price 2. Government’s trading 3. Go...

2020·Economy
Solve

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

2018·Economy
Solve

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the sc...

2024·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactatin...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

2022·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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