The National Food and Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 marks a key initiative by the Indian government to provide free foodgrains to eligible households. Recently, an important development was announced by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Effective from January 1, 2023, all households qualifying under the NFSA will receive free food grains for one year, effectively replacing the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
Understanding Coarse Cereals
Coarse cereals are traditionally cultivated in agro-climatic regions of the country that are not rich in resources. Agro-climatic zones encompass land units with climates suitable for specific crops and cultivars. The category of coarse cereals includes sorghum, pearl millet, maize, barley, finger millet, and various smaller millets such as kodo, little, foxtail, proso, and barnyard millet. These cereals, known for their nutritional value, are resistant to drought, insensitive to light, and resilient to climate change.
National Food Security Act 2013 – A Detailed Look
The NFSA was notified on September 10, 2013, with the primary objective of providing food and nutritional security using a human life cycle approach. The act aims to ensure access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices, enabling people to live with dignity.
The NFSA covers 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The act broadly covers about 81.35 crore citizens. Priority households, as determined by the State government guidelines, receive coverage under TPDS. Furthermore, households under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana also come under the ambit of this initiative.
Key Provisions of the National Food Security Act
There are multiple provisions under NFSA. For instance, individuals are entitled to 5 kg of food grains per month at Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains. Existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana households will continue to receive 35 kg of food grains per month.
Meals and maternity benefits of not less than Rs.6,000 are provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and for six months post-childbirth. Children up to 14 years of age are also entitled to meals. Furthermore, food security allowance is provided to beneficiaries in case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals. Grievance redressal mechanisms have been established at district and state levels.
Government Initiatives Related to Food Security
Several government initiatives align with NFSA’s objectives. These include the National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and Integrated Schemes on Oilseeds, Pulses, Palm oil, and Maize (ISOPOM). The eNAM portal is another noteworthy initiative in this direction.
Exam Questions Related to the National Food Security Act
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, questions related to the provisions under the National Food Security Act often appear. Past questions have focused on eligibility for subsidised food grains, rights of women in a household regarding ration card issuance, entitlements for pregnant women and lactating mothers, among others.
The examination also includes questions that evaluate candidates’ understanding of how governments have tackled hunger and poverty, steps taken to make the food grain distribution system more effective, and challenges associated with the Public Distribution System in India.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024