The National Food Security Act (NFSA), enacted in 2013, is a groundbreaking legislation with the ambitious goal of ensuring the fundamental right to food and nutrition for a significant portion of India’s population. The act transforms food security from a welfare approach to a rights-based entitlement.
Key Provisions of the NFSA
- Subsidized foodgrains: NFSA mandates that approximately two-thirds of the population receive highly subsidized rice, wheat, and coarse cereals through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Priority Households (PHH): Entitled to 5 kilograms of food grains per person per month at highly subsidized rates.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households: The most vulnerable households receive 35 kilograms of food grains per household per month.
- Nutritional Support: Special provisions for pregnant and lactating women, children’s midday meals, and anganwadi centers to combat malnutrition.
Implementation Framework
- Central and State Roles: The central government is responsible for the procurement and transportation of food grains up to designated depots. States are responsible for last-mile distribution through Fair Price Shops.
- Identification of Beneficiaries: States play a significant role in identifying eligible households based on socioeconomic criteria.
- Grievance Redressal: NFSA establishes social audits and grievance redressal mechanisms to promote accountability.
Impact of NFSA
- Enhanced Food Grain Access: NFSA has significantly expanded subsidized food grain coverage and contributed to improving food availability, especially for poorer sections.
- Nutritional Focus: Inclusion of provisions for children and mothers addresses the critical issue of malnutrition.
- PDS Reforms: NFSA has triggered PDS reforms, with some states adopting technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and targeting.
Challenges and Issues
- Exclusion Errors: Reports of eligible beneficiaries being mistakenly left out highlight challenges in beneficiary identification.
- Leakages and Diversions: Issues with leakages from the PDS system and diversion of grain continue to persist in some areas.
- Procurement and Storage: Efficient procurement of food grains and ensuring adequate storage infrastructure are ongoing concerns.
FAQs About NFSA
- Who is covered under NFSA? Approximately two-thirds of the population (75% rural, 50% urban) categorized as Priority and AAY Households.
- How do I obtain benefits under NFSA? Eligible households need to obtain ration cards issued by state governments.
MCQs
The primary purpose of the National Food Security Act is to:
A. Provide modern houses for the poor
B. Increase agricultural exports
C. Offer free agricultural inputs
D. Guarantee access to subsidized food grains
Which of these is NOT a focus area of the NFSA?
A. Nutrition for children
B. Subsidized food grains for vulnerable populations
C. Free air travel for farmers
D. Grievance redressal mechanisms