The Government of India in 1997 launched the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to benefit about ____ poor families.

Correct option is A

✅ (a) 6 crore
· TPDS was launched in 1997 to focus food security benefits on the poorest families.
· Initially targeted approximately 6 crore Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
· Aim was to improve efficiency and reduce leakages compared to the earlier PDS system.
· Provided subsidized food grains through Fair Price Shops (FPS).
❌ (b) 7 crore
· 7 crore was not the officially declared number at TPDS launch in 1997.
· Over time, coverage increased, but initially, it was 6 crore families.
❌ (c) 4 crore
· 4 crore is an underestimated figure; official records mention 6 crore beneficiaries.
· The program aimed at a larger section of BPL families.
❌ (d) 5 crore
· 5 crore is less than the actual target; official data confirms 6 crore families as beneficiaries at launch.
· Thus, this figure is inaccurate.