Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a deficit UT for food grains
The beneficiaries for food grains are identified and issued ration card (Family Identity Card) for coverage under Targeted Public Distribution System
The food grains viz Rice, Wheat, Sugar and Kerosene Oil are distributed to the beneficiaries through Public Distribution System (PDS)
The food grains are delivered to the ration card holder through Fair Price Shops (FPS) and a supply chain is maintained
The Govt. of India releases the food grain quota to this UT annually through Food Corporation Of India (FCI)
Nine Principle Distribution Center (PDC) has been established in all the major habitant islands under Hill Transport Subsidy Scheme of Govt. Of India. The Food Corporation Of India delivers the food grains to PDC from where the food grains are lifted by FPS owners as per ration card strength for further distribution to the ration card holders
The rates of the food grains are fixed by Andaman And Nicobar Administration and a very marginal amount is charged to ration card holders for transportation and handling charges
The Department maintains sufficient buffer stock of food grains in all the habited islands for which supply godown is constructed
Activities
Public Distribution System (PDS) of Essential Commodities through Fair Price Shops
Providing Family Identity Card (Ration Card) related services
Monitoring the distribution of LPGs and Kerosene Oil
Weekly Monitoring and publishing of prevailing market prices of essential commodities
Citizen's enrolment for AADHAAR
Protection of interests of Consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 through State Consumer Redressal Forum and District Consumer Forum
Maintaining Buffer stock of food grains for food security
To conduct raids to apprehend the hoarders and black marketers