Published Paper Details:

The public distribution system (PDS) is a great way to secure the food security of the poor people of the country. In the study PDS system of Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh has evaluated based on the factors like food sufficiency, current system of fair price shops (FPSs), attitude of FPSs dealers, and quality of PDS food. The primary data of 200 families were collected by structured schedule through random sampling technique. The results were measured through no. of beneficiaries & their percentages. The Chi- square test was also used to examine the relationship between responses of beneficiaries and functioning of fair price shops. The study found that majority of the beneficiaries were satisfied with the quality of the food, attitude of faire price shops dealers & the opening and closing time of FPSs. While, they were dissatisfied with quantity of PDS food & long distance of the FPSs from their residence. The study suggested that authorities concerned should provide PDS ration according to the family member of the beneficiary and FPSs should be established on the village level instead of panchayat. Hence, all the beneficiaries will be able to avail sufficient food with in the village. This will help to enhance & maintain their nutritional and balanced diet.