Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, represents a landmark legislation in India’s efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity. Enacted during the UPA-II government, it legally guarantees access to affordable food grains for a significant portion of the population. Building upon previous schemes like the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the NFSA aims to ensure food and nutritional security for the most vulnerable sections of society, recognizing food as a fundamental right. The Act came into force on July 5, 2013, and has since become a cornerstone of India’s social welfare programs.
Key Features of the National Food Security Act, 2013
The NFSA, 2013, encompasses several crucial features designed to address food security comprehensively.
1. Coverage & Entitlement
- Coverage: The Act covers approximately 67% of the population (as per the 2011 Census), aiming to reach around 80 crore people.
- Priority Households: These households, comprising the poorest of the poor, are entitled to 35 kg of food grains per family per month.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Households: The existing AAY households continue to receive 35 kg of food grains per family per month at highly subsidized rates.
- General Category Households: These households receive 5 kg of food grains per person per month.
- Subsidized Prices: Rice is provided at ₹3 per kg, wheat at ₹2 per kg, and coarse grains at ₹1 per kg for priority households.
2. Nutritional Support
- Maternity Benefits: Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a maternity benefit of at least ₹6,000 in cash.
- Children: Children aged 6 months to 14 years are provided with nutritious meals through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
- Focus on Nutritional Standards: The Act emphasizes the importance of nutritional standards and encourages the fortification of food grains.
3. Streamlining the Public Distribution System (PDS)
- Doorstep Delivery: The Act promotes doorstep delivery of food grains in areas where feasible.
- Cash Transfers: Provision for cash transfers to beneficiaries in lieu of food subsidies, though implementation varies across states.
- Decentralized Procurement: States are encouraged to undertake decentralized procurement of food grains.
4. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
- District Grievance Redressal Officers (DGROs): Appointed at the district level to address complaints related to the PDS.
- State Food Commission: Established in each state to monitor the implementation of the Act and address grievances.
- Transparency & Accountability: The Act mandates public disclosure of PDS-related information, promoting transparency and accountability.
5. Other Important Provisions
- Identification of Beneficiaries: States are responsible for identifying eligible beneficiaries based on criteria defined by the Act.
- Food Grain Allocation: The central government allocates food grains to states based on their estimated needs.
- Supply Chain Management: The Act emphasizes the need for efficient supply chain management to minimize wastage and ensure timely delivery of food grains.
| Category | Entitlement | Price (₹/kg) - Rice/Wheat/Coarse Grains |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Households | 35 kg/family/month | 3/2/1 |
| AAY Households | 35 kg/family/month | 3/2/1 |
| General Category Households | 5 kg/person/month | 3/2/1 |
Conclusion
The NFSA, 2013, represents a significant step towards realizing the right to food in India. While it has expanded access to affordable food grains for millions, challenges remain in effective implementation, particularly regarding targeting errors, leakages in the PDS, and ensuring nutritional adequacy. Strengthening the grievance redressal mechanisms, improving supply chain efficiency, and promoting greater transparency are crucial for maximizing the Act’s impact and achieving its objectives of food and nutritional security for all.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.