The author outlines the guaranteed public supply scheme which was in force in Yugoslavia
from 1948 until 1953 when it was replaced by the market based supply. The guaranteed
supply scheme, which was introduced due to a rapid growth in the number of people
employed in non-agrarian production, and also for obvious ideological and political purposes,
was characterized by a total state monopoly of the supply. To qualify as a beneficiary
of the guaranteed supply scheme, one had to be employed and socially insured by a state
institution. The quantity of guaranteed goods a beneficiary was entitled to depended on the
arduousness of one's work. Basic foodstuffs, industrial products, clothing and footwear were
redeemed against consumer vouchers. Buying on the free market was also possible, however,
at considerably higher prices. After 1951, the guaranteed supply scheme was gradually
relaxed and a greater emphasis was given to free sale. In September 1951, the consumer
vouchers were replaced by monetary vouchers, and by the end of 1953 all payments were
made only in cash. The voucher scheme was thus finally abolished.