Karnataka Amends PDS Control Order to Prioritize Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

The Government of Karnataka issued the Karnataka Essential Commodities Public Distribution System (Control) (Amendment) Order, 2025, a significant piece of delegated legislation, on November 14, 2025. This Order, which came into force upon its final publication in the Official Gazette, was enacted under the powers conferred by sub-section (5) of section 24 of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (Central Act 20 of 2013). The amendment followed a public consultation process, where a draft of the Order was published on September 16, 2025, in the Karnataka Gazette extraordinary, inviting objections and suggestions from affected persons. These submissions were subsequently considered by the State Government before the final notification. The core of this amendment lies in its modification of Clause 6 of the Karnataka Essential Commodities Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, by inserting a new sub-clause (b a). This new provision introduces a specific priority mechanism for the sanctioning of new or renewed Fair Price Shops (FPS) within the Public Distribution System (PDS) to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. Specifically, it grants priority to registered Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Co-operative Societies operating in the same village or area, as well as to unemployed individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who have passed SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate).

This legislative action aims to address existing disparities and foster greater inclusivity within the Public Distribution System by ensuring enhanced participation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the operation of Fair Price Shops. The previous statutory framework, the Karnataka Essential Commodities Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, while governing the PDS, did not contain explicit provisions for such affirmative priority in the allocation of FPS. The amendment seeks to fill this identified gap, reflecting a policy rationale to empower these communities economically and ensure their representation in the crucial public service of food distribution. The legislation provided: “Provided that, New Fair Price Shops or Renewed Fair Price Shops shall be sanctioned to Schedule Castes or Schedule Tribes communities on priority in fair price shop area where the population of the Schedule Castes or Schedule Tribes communities is more than 40%. New Fair Price Shops or Renewed Fair Price Shops shall be given to said communities (17% for Scheduled Castes and 7% for Scheduled Tribes), as per population norms given as above for the Fair Price Shops area (more than 40%,) till it reaches to 24.1% of total number of Fair Price Shops in the State as per Government order No. SWD 8 SLP 2024, dated: 25.8.2025.” This operative clause establishes a clear enforcement mechanism, mandating priority allocation in areas where the SC or ST population exceeds 40%. It further sets a target for the overall representation of these communities, aiming for 24.1% of the total number of Fair Price Shops in the State to be allocated to them, with specific percentages of 17% for Scheduled Castes and 7% for Scheduled Tribes, in line with a prior government order dated August 25, 2025. This measure is intended to systematically increase the involvement of these communities in the PDS network, thereby strengthening their economic standing and ensuring more equitable access to essential commodities.

Keywords: Karnataka, PDS, Public Distribution System, Essential Commodities, Fair Price Shops, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Amendment Order, National Food Security Act, 2013 Geo Tags: India, Karnataka District: Not Applicable