The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India is a government-sponsored mechanism aimed at ensuring food security for the population, especially for the vulnerable sections. It is a key component of India’s food security policy and is designed to distribute food grains, primarily rice, wheat, and coarse grains, at subsidized prices to the poor through a network of fair price shops (FPS) across the country. The structure of PDS is multi-tiered, with the central government, state governments, and local-level authorities playing distinct roles. At the national level, the central government is responsible for procurement, storage, and transportation of food grains. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) plays a crucial role in the procurement and distribution of grains, managing a large part of the stock. The central government sets a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major crops, ensuring a stable income for farmers. State governments are responsible for the distribution of food grains to the public, coordinating the functioning of fair price shops, and implementing schemes like the National Food Security Act (NFSA) at the local level. They are also responsible for identifying the beneficiaries, distributing ration cards, and ensuring the proper functioning of FPS. In rural areas, PDS also plays a role in providing local employment through the involvement of rural cooperatives and self-help groups. The functioning of PDS involves a few essential steps: First, the food grains are procured from farmers at the MSP. They are then stored in warehouses and depots managed by FCI or state agencies. The grains are subsequently transported to distribution centers and then allocated to fair price shops based on the population and demand in a particular area. These shops, which are operated by state governments or private entities, sell the food grains at subsidized rates to households with ration cards. The beneficiaries include families identified as below poverty line (BPL), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholders, and others depending on the state’s criteria. PDS is instrumental in ensuring food security in India. It provides a safety net for low-income and vulnerable groups, including those living in remote areas, helping them to access essential food grains