Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The beneficiaries of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) are identified on the basis of a specific poverty line
Statement II: Both households, existing below the poverty line (BPL) and those above the poverty line (APL) are beneficiaries of TPDS
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

TPDS (Targeted PDS, 1997): Categorized households into BPL, APL, and AAY (poorest) based on official poverty line estimates.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
National food security mechanisms under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) introduced differentiated subsidized entitlement tiers.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement I: The Government of India launched the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in June 1997, shifting from universal PDS to a targeted system where beneficiaries were formally categorized using the Planning Commission's state-wise poverty line criteria. Hence, Statement I is true.
2. Statement II: Under TPDS design, subsidized foodgrains were allocated for both Below Poverty Line (BPL) families (at heavily subsidized issue prices) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families (at economic cost rates), along with Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) for the poorest of the poor. Hence, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Both Statement I and Statement II are true, corresponding to option (A).