The Citizens’ Charter, issued in November, 1997 for adoption by the State Governments, is an important milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Government to provide services under the PDS in a more transparent and accountable manner. This Charter is intended to be a model for the State Governments. It contains, inter alia, basic information of interest to the consumers and a model procedure and time schedule for the services. The Charter contains essential information, viz., entitlement of BPL families, fair average quality of foodgrains, information regarding FPS, procedure for the issue of ration cards, inspection and checking, right to information, vigilance and public participation.