Public Distribution System MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This Economics quiz for Class IX students focuses on Food Security in India, specifically the Public Distribution System (PDS). It covers essential concepts like buffer stock and the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Attempt these 10 MCQs to test your understanding, view your score instantly, and download the answer PDF for revision.
Understanding the Public Distribution System (PDS)
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is the most important step taken by the Government of India towards ensuring food security. It functions through a network of ration shops, also known as Fair Price Shops (FPS), which distribute foodgrains and other essential commodities to the poor at subsidized rates.
Role of Food Corporation of India (FCI)
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency responsible for the procurement and storage of foodgrains. Its key functions include:
- Procurement: Purchasing wheat and rice from farmers in states where there is surplus production.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): Farmers are paid a pre-announced price for their crops, called the MSP, to incentivize production.
- Buffer Stock: Creating a stock of foodgrains to ensure availability throughout the country, especially in deficit areas and during natural calamities.
Key Concepts: Issue Price and Ration Cards
Once procured, the foodgrains are distributed through ration shops. The price at which these grains are sold to the consumers is called the Issue Price, which is lower than the market price. The system categorizes households to issue specific ration cards:
- Antyodaya Cards: For the poorest of the poor.
- BPL Cards: For those below the poverty line.
- APL Cards: For those above the poverty line.
Evolution of PDS
| Scheme | Year Introduced | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Revamped PDS (RPDS) | 1992 | Remote and backward areas |
| Targeted PDS (TPDS) | 1997 | Poor in all areas (BPL/APL split) |
| Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) | 2000 | Poorest of the poor |
Practice Questions
Here are a few more questions to test your knowledge:
- Why is the buffer stock created by the FCI?
- What are the three types of ration cards currently in use?
- Define Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- How does the PDS help in stabilizing food prices?
- What is the role of Fair Price Shops in food security?
Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.