The correct answer is: a) Providing subsidized food grains.
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a food security system in India that provides subsidized food grains to India’s poor. The PDS was established in 1952 to ensure that all Indians have access to basic food items at affordable prices. The PDS is one of the largest food distribution systems in the world, and it provides food to over 800 million people.
The PDS works by providing ration cards to eligible households. These ration cards are used to purchase food grains at subsidized prices from ration shops. The prices of food grains under the PDS are lower than the market prices, and this helps to ensure that the poor can afford to buy food.
The PDS is a vital part of India’s food security system. It helps to ensure that the poor have access to basic food items at affordable prices. The PDS has been successful in reducing hunger and malnutrition in India.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option b) Promoting self-reliance is not the main goal of the PDS. The PDS is not designed to promote self-reliance, but to ensure that the poor have access to basic food items.
- Option c) Banning traditional agriculture is not a goal of the PDS. The PDS does not ban traditional agriculture, and it does not interfere with the way that farmers produce food.
- Option d) Exporting excess food production is not a goal of the PDS. The PDS is not designed to export food, but to ensure that the poor have access to basic food items.