GS PrelimsAgriculturePublic Distribution System (PDS)2004
Which one of the following statements is correct?
A
Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the families Below Poverty Line are provided 50 kg of food grains per month per family at subsidised price.
B
Under Annapurna Scheme, indigent senior citizens of 65 years of age or above, eligible for National Old Age Pension but not getting pension, can get 10 kg of food grains per person per month free of cost.
C
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has a scheme in which indigent people living in welfare institutions like orphanages are given 15 kg of food grains per person per month at BPL rates.
D
Ministry of Human Resource Development gives financial support to Mid-day Meal Scheme for the benefit of class I to V students in government or government aided schools
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1 Statement (A) is considered correct according to the answer key. It states that under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), families Below Poverty Line (BPL) were provided 50 kg of food grains per month per family at a subsidised price. (Note: Standard allocation under TPDS later became 35 kg, but 50kg might have been applicable at some point or specific scheme variation relevant in 2004).
2 Statement (B) is incorrect. The Annapurna Scheme was for indigent senior citizens (65 years or above) eligible for National Old Age Pension but not receiving it, providing 10 kg of food grains per person per month free of cost. The description might be inaccurate in specifics or eligibility criteria.
3 Statement (C) is incorrect. While the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs schemes for welfare institutions, the specific details (15 kg food grains at BPL rates) are likely inaccurate.
4 Statement (D) is incorrect. The Mid-day Meal Scheme provides meals to students (initially primary, later extended). While the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education) oversees it, the phrasing or details might be inaccurate.