In a recent announcement by The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, they have urged State Governments and Union Territories to ensure that all eligible disabled individuals are included under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. This directive is aimed at safeguarding the food security of disabled people and ensuring they receive their entitled quota of food grains.
Key Factors of Inclusion
Per the provisions of NFSA and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), disabled individuals should receive their quota of food grains. For those not already covered under these initiatives, new ration cards should be issued based on eligibility criteria. Additionally, states and Union Territories should include disabled individuals in priority households, following the identification criteria they have set.
PMGKAY and It’s Role
The PMGKAY is an integral part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) designed to aid the poor in their fight against Covid-19. It offers every individual covered under the NFSA, an additional 5 kg of grains on top of the subsidized food grain provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Beneficiaries can also avail 1 kg of pulse for free, depending on regional preferences.
NFSA Provisions
The Section 10 of the NFSA covers the identification and coverage of individuals under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and prioritizes them as per state government guidelines. Disability is one of the qualifying criteria for inclusion under AAY. In contrast, Section 38 of the NFSA empowers the Central Government to guide State Governments for effective implementation of the Act’s provisions.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Package
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Package, a stimulus package rolled out by the Indian Government, offers free food along with other benefits to migrant labourers who may not be covered under NFSA or state-specific schemes. Consequently, disabled individuals without ration cards are also eligible for benefits under this package.
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: An Overview
Implemented on 10th September 2013, the NFSA aims to secure food and nutritional needs of people by ensuring access to quality food at affordable prices. The Act covers 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population. It provides 5 kgs of foodgrains per person per month at subsidized rates and extends meal and maternity benefits of not less than Rs. 6000 to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
Launched in December 2000, the AAY aims to identify the poorest families and provide them with heavily subsidized food grains. It focuses on several vulnerable groups including landless agricultural laborers, marginal farmers, rural artisans, households led by physically challenged individuals, widows, senior citizens, and terminally ill persons. It further includes all primitive tribal households in its ambit.
