How does an effectively functioning Public Distribution System (PDS) contribute to the health and nutritional status of a state's population? Illustrate with a suitable example.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:23 · grounding rag
Model Answer
An effectively functioning Public Distribution System (PDS) ensures that food grains and essential commodities are made available to people at subsidised prices, improving their food security and nutrition.
Example: In states like Tamil Nadu, where 90% of rural people use ration shops, people have better access to food, leading to improved health and nutritional status compared to states where PDS functions poorly.
Source: Chapter 1, Public Facilities section
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Explanation
- The textbook directly states: "In some states, the Public Distribution System (PDS) functions well. Health and nutritional status of people of such states is certainly likely to be better."
- Use the Tamil Nadu vs West Bengal ration shop example (90% vs 35% usage) to illustrate — examiners expect this specific example from the text.
- Two key points to cover: (1) what PDS does, and (2) how it links to health/nutrition with an example. Both are needed for full 2 marks.