Himachal Pradesh Government in its endeavour to provide cheap and sufficient essential commodities to the people in the State is ensuring effective implementation of various schemes under Public Distribution System in the State. Besides, schemes being implemented under Targetted Public Distribution System, State Government has introduced Himachal Pradesh Specially Subsidized Scheme and all ration card holders are being provided some of the essential commodities on cheap rates than the open market. A sum of Rs. 131 crore was spent under the scheme last year which is likely to increase this year. Each ration card holder is being provided black gram @ Rs. 20 per kg, Dal Urd @ Rs. 25 pr kg, Dal Channa, Rs. 25 per kg, edible oil at the rate of Rs. 45 per litre, refined  oil at the rate of Rs. 40 per liter and iodized salt @ Rs.  four per kg per family. In tribal areas wheat and wheat atta and rice  are being given at the rate of eight kg. per head, per family to all the categories. This scheme has given a great succour not only to those living  below poverty line but also all ration card holders.

The essential commodities to the people in the State are being supplied through a network of 4403 retail fair price shops. Over 15.58 lakh ration cards have been issued in the State under all categories of Targetted Public Distribution System. Out of these, 10.44 lakh are Above Poverty Line (APL), 3.17 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) and 1.97 lakh under Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY).

 A total number of 5.14 lakh BPL families have been targetted under BPL scheme out of which 1.97 lakh poorest of poor families have been further covered under Antodaya Anna Yojna scheme. Under this scheme for BPL families, 35 kgs of foodgrains per family per month is being given on subsidized rates. The 20 kgs. of wheat is being given at the rate of Rs. 5.25 per kg and 15 kg of rice @ Rs. 6.85 per kg per family.

Under the Antodaya Ann Yojna the poorest of the poor 1.97 lakh families are being given 20 kg of wheat @ Rs. 2 and 15 kg of rice @ Rs. 3 per kg per family.

Under the Annapurna Scheme, as many as 6373 old and destitute  citizens above 65 years age are being provided food security. The beneficiaries of this scheme are those who are eligible for the old age pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme but one not receiving it. 10 Kg rice is being given free to each beneficiary of the scheme.

Superior kerosene oil is being provided especially in those areas where supply of LPG is not sufficient. Its supply is being made at the rate ranging from Rs. 9.21 to Rs. 10.87 per liter including freight and depending on locations. In tribal areas 3 liter kerosene is being supplied to each consumer who have double gas connections, 8 litre to those who have single cylinder and 15 litre to each to those who are non LPG holders. In non tribal areas 3 litre kerosene is being given to each single cylinder holder and 10 litre to each non LPG holder.

In pursuance of the Sate Government's directions, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is exercising strict vigil to ensure that no unlawful trade practices like undue price hike, profiteering and hoarding takes place. For ensuring this, the monthly targets for inspections have been fixed for each functionary of the department. The District Controller, Food, Civil supplies and Consumer Affairs has to take minimum of 25 inspections, Food Supplies Officer 30 and each inspector, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs 37. Besides, three flying squads under each District Controller has been constituted with headquarters at Shimla, Mandi and Dharamsala.

During year 2008-09, the Department carried 27,074 inspections. Cases were registered against 29 defaulters, 15 such defaulters were arrested and 1028 persons were given warning. Goods worth Rs. 14.98 lakh was confiscated and an amount of Rs. 6.29 lakh forfeited on account of security were deposited in the State exchequer.

Under Weights and Measures Act and Packaged Commodities Rules 16,411 inspections were carried. 1026 challans  were made for defaulting.

During the year 2008-09 328 consumer awareness camps were organized in the Sate to educate the consumers about Targetted Public Distribution System under the Consumer Awareness Programme. In order to educate the children about consumer rights, Consumer Clubs are being set up in the middle, high and secondary schools.

The State Government is committed for the welfare of the people especially poor, weaker and vulnerable sections of the society. Its endeavour is that they live a honourable life. Effective implementation of Public Distribution System is one of the step towards this.