How to File a Complaint Against Fair Price Shop (FPS)

Fair Price Shops (FPS) are the last mile of India's Public Distribution System (PDS). They distribute subsidised wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene to crores of families holding ration cards. But many people face problems — short-weighing, refusal to give ration, poor quality grain, or shops that never open on time.

The good news is you have strong legal rights under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, and there are multiple ways to complain and get action taken. This guide covers everything step by step.

Common Problems at Fair Price Shops

Before filing a complaint, it helps to know which issues are officially recognised:

• Short-weighing — You receive less grain than your entitlement (e.g., getting 4 kg instead of 5 kg per person)
• Denial of ration — The shopkeeper refuses to give you grain even when you have a valid ration card
• Poor quality grain — Wheat or rice is infested with insects, stones, or is discoloured
• Overcharging — Charging more than the government-fixed price (₹1/kg for millet, ₹2/kg for wheat, ₹3/kg for rice under NFSA)
• Shop not opening on time — FPS does not follow the declared schedule
• Demanding extra money — Asking for bribes or "handling charges"
• Biometric failure issues — Refusing alternate identification when ePoS machine fails
• Diversion of grain — Selling PDS grain in the open market (black marketing)

Your Rights Under NFSA

The National Food Security Act, 2013 gives you legal entitlements — not charity. Key rights include:

1. Fixed entitlement — Every AAY household gets 35 kg/month; PHH members get 5 kg per person per month
2. Fixed prices — Rice at ₹3/kg, wheat at ₹2/kg, coarse grains at ₹1/kg
3. Right to complain — Every state must set up a grievance redressal mechanism
4. Food security allowance — If the government fails to supply grain, you are entitled to a cash allowance
5. District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO) — Every district must have one to handle PDS complaints
6. Vigilance committees — At state, district, and block level to monitor FPS operations
7. Transparency — FPS must display entitlements, prices, and stock details publicly

How to File a Complaint — Step by Step

Step 1: Collect Evidence

Before complaining, gather basic proof:

• Your ration card number and Aadhaar details
• Date and time of the incident
• FPS name and licence number (usually displayed on the shop board)
• Photos or video if possible (short-weighing, poor grain quality, closed shop)
• Receipts from the ePoS machine (if any transaction happened)
• Witness names — other cardholders who faced the same issue

Step 2: Complain at the Local Level

Start with the nearest authority:

• Talk to the FPS dealer first — sometimes issues are due to supply delays, not fraud
• Contact your ward member or sarpanch — they often sit on local vigilance committees
• Write to the Block/Taluka Supply Officer — submit a written complaint with your evidence

Step 3: Use the Toll-Free Helpline

Call the national PDS helpline:

When calling 1967:

• Give your ration card number
• Describe the problem clearly
• Note down the complaint/ticket number you receive
• Follow up after 7-10 days if no action is taken

Step 4: File an Online Complaint

You can complain through multiple online portals:

A. NFSA Portal

• Visit nfsa.gov.in
• Go to the grievance section
• Fill in your ration card details and describe the complaint
• Upload supporting documents if available
• Save the complaint reference number

B. Centralised Public Grievance Portal (CPGRAMS)

• Visit pgportal.gov.in
• Register with your mobile number or email
• Select "Department of Food & Public Distribution" as the ministry
• Describe your complaint in detail
• Track status using the registration number

C. State Food & Civil Supplies Portal

Most states have their own portals:

• Uttar Pradesh — fcs.up.gov.in
• Bihar — epds.bihar.gov.in
• Madhya Pradesh — samagra.gov.in
• Rajasthan — food.rajasthan.gov.in
• Tamil Nadu — www.tnpds.gov.in
• Other states — search "[your state] PDS complaint portal"

Step 5: Write to the District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO)

Under NFSA, every district has a DGRO. You can:

• Write a letter to the DGRO at the District Collectorate
• Include all evidence and previous complaint numbers
• The DGRO must investigate and respond within 30 days
• If the DGRO does not act, escalate to the State Food Commission

Escalation Path

If your complaint is not resolved, escalate in this order:

FPS Dealer → Block Supply Officer → District Supply Officer
→ DGRO → State Food Commission → High Court (writ petition)

1. Block/Taluka Supply Officer — First official level. Should act within 15 days.
2. District Supply Officer / District Collector — Has power to suspend or cancel FPS licence.
3. DGRO — Statutory authority under NFSA. Must respond in 30 days.
4. State Food Commission — Apex body for food security grievances in the state. Can order compensation.
5. Consumer Court — You can also file a consumer complaint if you suffered financial loss.
6. High Court — As a last resort, file a writ petition for violation of your right to food.

What Action Can Be Taken Against the FPS?

Depending on the severity:

• Warning to the dealer
• Fine imposed on the dealer
• Suspension of the FPS licence (temporary)
• Cancellation of FPS licence (permanent)
• Criminal case under the Essential Commodities Act for diversion/black marketing
• FIR for fraud or cheating under IPC

Tips for a Successful Complaint

• Always get a written receipt from the ePoS machine after collecting ration
• Check the weighing scale — you can ask the dealer to weigh in front of you
• Note the FPS timings displayed on the board and visit during those hours
• File complaints in writing — verbal complaints are easy to ignore
• Keep copies of all complaints and reference numbers
• Follow up regularly — call 1967 again with your ticket number
• Involve others — group complaints from multiple cardholders carry more weight
• Use RTI — file an RTI application to get information about grain allocation to your FPS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I complain anonymously against a Fair Price Shop?

Yes, you can file an anonymous complaint on CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) or call 1967 without giving your name. However, providing your details helps in faster investigation and follow-up.

2. What if the FPS dealer threatens me after I complain?

This is a punishable offence. Report the threat to the local police and the District Collector. You can also mention it in your complaint to the DGRO or State Food Commission.

3. How long does it take to resolve a PDS complaint?

The DGRO must respond within 30 days under NFSA. Online complaints through CPGRAMS usually get a response within 30-60 days. Helpline complaints may take 7-15 days for initial action.

4. Can I get compensation if I was denied ration?

Yes. Under Section 8 of NFSA, if the government fails to provide your entitled grain, you are eligible for food security allowance (cash compensation). The State Food Commission can also order compensation.

5. What if the ePoS machine is not working and the dealer refuses to give ration?

The dealer should use alternative methods (manual distribution with records) when the ePoS machine fails. If they refuse, complain to the Block Supply Officer and call 1967. Many states have issued orders for manual distribution during technical failures.

6. Can I file a complaint in the consumer court against an FPS?

Yes, if you suffered financial loss or were overcharged, you can file a complaint in the consumer court. The process is simple and you do not need a lawyer for claims under ₹5 lakh.

7. How do I check my ration entitlement?

Visit your state's PDS portal or the NFSA website and enter your ration card number. You can also check the type of ration card you hold — AAY, BPL, or APH — to know your exact entitlement.

Useful Links

• NFSA Portal — Check entitlements and file grievances
• CPGRAMS — Centralised grievance portal for all government departments
• National Consumer Helpline — For consumer-related complaints
• Ration Card Types — AAY, BPL, APH — Understand your ration card category
• Consumer Court Guide — How to file a consumer complaint

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules, prices, and procedures may vary by state and can change over time. Always verify details from official government sources before taking action. Last updated: February 2026.