The first edition of the State Ranking Index for National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 has been recently launched. This index is designed to record the status and progression of NFSA’s implementation across India along with the reform initiatives undertaken after consultation with states. The primary focus is on NFSA distribution, including anticipated buyouts, PMKGAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana) distributions.
The Basis for Assessment
The ranking of States and Union Territories (UTs) are based on three pillars which are responsible for the end-to-end implementation of NFSA through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). These are – NFSA coverage, targeting and provisions of the Act, delivery platforms, and nutrition initiatives.
State Performance Overview
The state of Odisha secured the top spot in the general category states ranking with Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh trailing at second and third positions respectively. In the special category states, Tripura stood first followed by Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. However, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi were among the worst performers, landing in the bottom five.
Significance of the State Ranking Index
This index uncovered that most states and UTs have performed well in digitization, Aadhaar linking, and ePoS installation. These findings underscore the effectiveness and reach of the reforms. Although, there is room for further improvement in conducting and documenting social audits thoroughly and implementing the functions of state food commissions across different regions.
Issues Related to the Index
One of the major drawbacks of this index is its failure to include projects and schemes executed by other ministries and departments which fall under the NFSA. Moreover, it only indicates the efficiency of TPDS operations and does not reflect the levels of hunger or malnutrition existing in a state or union territory.
Why Odisha’s Top Ranking Matters?
Odisha’s first place ranking is notable due to their robust computerization of TPDS operations following the adoption of NFSA in 2015. Additionally, the state has implemented the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) program across the state from July 2021. This allows PDS beneficiaries to choose any fair pricing retailer of their preference to receive monthly benefits.
National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013
Introduced on 10th September, 2013, The National Food Security Act aims to ensure food and nutritional security by offering access to quality food at affordable prices for living a dignified life. Under this act, coverage includes up to 75% of rural populations and 50% of urban populations for subsidized foodgrain reception through TPDS. In totality, NFSA caters to 67% of India’s population.
Eligibility and Provisions Under NFSA
The households eligible under NFSA include Priority Households covered under TPDS as per the state government’s guidelines, and households falling under the existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana. The provisions include foodgrains at subsidised rates, meals and maternity benefits for pregnant women and lactating mothers, meals for children up to 14 years, food security allowance in case of non-delivery of entitled foodgrains or meals, and the establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms at district and state levels.
NFSA in Civil Services Examination
Questions related to the provisions under National Food Security Act, 2013 have been part of previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Examinations. For instance, in 2018, one of the questions was related to the eligibility for receiving subsidised food grains, the issuance of ration cards and entitlements for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Salient Features of National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
Under NFSA, up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of urban population have been covered under TPDS with a uniform entitlement of 5 kg per person per month. Additional provisions like meals for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and higher nutritional norms for malnourished children have been included.
The different types of ration cards issued by the State Governments such as Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Antyodaya (AAY) were re-classified into two categories – Non-Priority and Priority according to NFSA 2013. The extent and nature of these provisions have helped in transforming the approach towards food security from welfare to rights-based.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024