Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Food security is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals. India, despite significant progress in food production, continues to grapple with malnutrition and hunger among vulnerable populations. These include underprivileged families, destitutes, and malnourished children and women. Historically, various initiatives have been launched to address this challenge, evolving from the initial Public Distribution System (PDS) to more targeted and comprehensive programs. This response will examine the key schemes currently in place to provide food grains and nutritional support to these populations, highlighting their objectives, implementation, and impact.
Understanding the Target Groups
Before detailing the schemes, it’s crucial to understand the categories of individuals they aim to assist:
- Underprivileged Families: Households below the poverty line, often engaged in informal labor with limited access to social safety nets.
- Destitutes: Individuals lacking stable housing and income, often facing severe hardship.
- Malnourished Populations: Primarily children under five and women, suffering from undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Key Schemes for Food Grain Distribution
1. Public Distribution System (PDS) & Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
The PDS is the cornerstone of India’s food security system. Initially universal, it transitioned to the TPDS to focus resources on the most vulnerable.
| Feature | PDS (Pre-2013) | TPDS (Post-2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Universal | Targeted - Prioritized Households (PHH) & General Households (AH) |
| Food Grains | Wheat, Rice, Sugar | Wheat, Rice, Sugar (subsidized) |
| Issue Price | Lower than market price | Lower than market price for PHH, slightly higher for AH |
The NFSA (2013) further strengthened the TPDS.
2. National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013
The NFSA guarantees food grains at affordable prices to up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. It mandates entitlement to 5 kg of food grains per household per month. The Act also establishes grievance redressal mechanisms.
3. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
ICDS is a comprehensive program addressing malnutrition and holistic development of children (0-6 years) and pregnant/lactating mothers. It provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, and pre-school education. Anganwadi centers are the primary delivery points.
4. Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS)
The MDMS provides cooked lunch to children in government and government-aided schools. It aims to improve nutritional status, increase school enrollment, and reduce dropout rates. The menu includes energy-rich and protein-rich foods.
5. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana (PM-POSHAN) – National Nutrition Mission
PM-POSHAN (formerly National Nutrition Mission) integrates the MDMS and ICDS, aiming to improve nutritional outcomes of children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It focuses on dietary changes, awareness generation, and improved access to nutritious food.
6. Annapurna Scheme
This scheme, though less prominent now, provides 30 kg of food grains per family below the poverty line, supplementing the NFSA. It was launched in 2000.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite these schemes, challenges persist: diversions due to corruption, leakages, inadequate infrastructure, and fluctuating food grain prices. Addressing these requires:
- Improved Supply Chain Management: Leveraging technology for tracking food grains and reducing wastage.
- Strengthening Vigilance Mechanisms: Preventing corruption and ensuring accountability.
- Promoting Nutritional Awareness: Educating communities about balanced diets and healthy eating habits.
- Diversifying Food Baskets: Moving beyond cereals to include pulses, fruits, and vegetables in the rations.
- Biometric Authentication: Reducing ghost beneficiaries and ensuring targeted delivery.
Conclusion
India’s efforts to ensure food security for vulnerable populations are multifaceted, encompassing various schemes from the PDS to PM-POSHAN. While significant progress has been made, persistent challenges related to efficiency, corruption, and nutritional awareness require continuous attention. Moving forward, a more integrated, technology-driven, and community-focused approach, coupled with diversification of food baskets, is essential to achieve the goal of a hunger-free India and improve the nutritional well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. Further investment in infrastructure and monitoring mechanisms is crucial for the success of these initiatives.
Answer Length
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