UPSC Notes

Food Security Schemes & Public Distribution System

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept directly addresses fundamental issues of poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, which are critical for social justice and human development. It highlights the role of both central (NFSA) and state governments in ensuring food security and the financial implications of such welfare programs.

Food security schemes are government programs designed to ensure access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food for all, especially vulnerable populations. The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a key component of India's food security architecture, distributing essential food commodities at subsidized prices.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana

New scheme to provide an additional 5 kg of rice per month free of cost.

Beneficiaries

All beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).

Total Rice Entitlement

Every beneficiary to receive 10 kg of rice free of cost every month (5kg existing + 5kg additional).

Scale & Cost

Benefits 3.28 crore beneficiaries (80% of state population); annual state expenditure of ₹8,813 crore.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaPoverty & Hunger Alleviation
Conceptual areaPublic Finance & Subsidies
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Odisha GovernmentImplements
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Central)Oversees (nfsa)
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Odisha launches Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana.
  • Provides additional 5 kg free rice/month to NFSA/SFSS beneficiaries.
  • Total free rice entitlement becomes 10 kg/month.
  • Covers 3.28 crore beneficiaries (80% of state).
  • Significant annual state expenditure (₹8,813 crore).

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Poverty & Hunger AlleviationPublic Finance & SubsidiesSocial Justice & Development

Odisha CM announces free education from KG to PG in govt. institutions

13 Jun 2026 · Odisha's Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana will provide an additional 5 kg of free rice monthly to NFSA and SFSS beneficiaries, increasing their total free rice to 10 kg, covering 80% of the state's population and incurring significant state expenditure to strengthen food security.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Food Security Schemes & Public Distribution System in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.