This Order is made by the Central Government of India, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955) and in supersession of the Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001. It provides for maintaining supplies, securing availability and distribution of foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
Clause 3 lays down the procedure to identify households in each state that are eligible for the public distribution scheme (Antyodaya Anna Yojana). Clause 4 provides for issuance of ration cards to eligible households provided it is issued to citizens of India and they fulfil the conditions prescribed to get a ration card. Clause 5 requires the central government to make foodgrains available to the state governments for distribution under the Targeted Public Distribution System to eligible households at such scales and prices as specified under Food Security Act, 2013. Under clause 6, the Food Corporation of India shall ensure delivery of foodgrains to the designated depots in the state and the procedure for lifting of foodgrains from these depots is given in clause 7.
Clause 9 gives the power to the state governments to issue orders under section 3 of the Act, for regulating the sale and distribution of the essential commodities. This shall include licensing and regulation of the fair price shops through which the distribution of foodgrains is undertaken. Clause 10 contains the provision for operation of fair price shops and the responsibilities of the fair price shop owner. The Order further provides for monitoring and inspection by the state government (clause 11), transparency and accountability (clause 12), penalties (clause 13), power of search and seizure (clause 14) and appeals (clause 15).