Lucknow: In a major step toward strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Government of Uttar Pradesh has initiated the accelerated construction of Annapurna Bhawans (model fair price shops) across the state. These structures are being developed to ensure the smooth and reliable distribution of food grains to ration card holders.
To expedite the construction of these buildings, the government has decided to utilize fiscal savings in addition to existing funding sources. Until now, funding primarily came from MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). However, moving forward, the State Finance Commission, MP/MLA Local Area Development Funds, Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Development Funds, and other state or central government schemes—where permissible—will also be tapped for this purpose.
In areas where funds are not available through these schemes, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies will allocate funds from its budgetary savings.
The target is to construct 75–100 Annapurna Bhawans in each district every year, providing a significant boost to the infrastructure that supports food security across Uttar Pradesh. In addition, the policy includes provisions for the maintenance and upkeep of these buildings, ensuring their long-term utility and sustainability.
This initiative is expected to modernize the ration distribution system, bring transparency to the process, and enhance accessibility for millions of beneficiaries, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
