| PYQ Relevance: Q What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (UPSC IAS/2021) Q How far do you agree with the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (UPSC IAS/2018) Q Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (UPSC IAS/2013) |
Mentor comment: A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, limiting access to nutritious food. Increasing population pressures food availability, despite a large agricultural workforce. While food production is sufficient, distribution is often inequitable, leading to shortages in certain regions. A substantial amount of food is lost during production, storage, and distribution, exacerbating scarcity. Problems in the Public Distribution System (PDS) include leakages, diversion of grains, and the presence of fake ration cards. In today’s editorial we will be addressing food security in India requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on enhancing distribution systems and ensuring equitable access to food for all citizens.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
As per National Sample Survey (NSS) data, PDS leakages at the all-India level were 41.7% in 2011-12.
- However, some states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha had initiated PDS reforms between 2004-05 and 2011-12, leading to reduced leakages.
| About the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013: • The NFSA provides subsidized food grains to about two-thirds of India’s population. It provides food grains to two categories of beneficiaries: Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households. Priority Households (PHH). (75% of rural and 50% of urban populations are eligible for these benefits.) • The NFSA requires state governments to set up grievance redressal mechanisms, including call centers, helplines, and nodal officers. Each district is also required to have a District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO). • Though the Indian Constitution does not have any explicit provision regarding the right to food, the fundamental right to life enshrined in Article 21, includes the Right to live with human dignity, which may include the right to food and other necessities. • Hence, this Act marked a shift in India’s approach to food security, moving from a welfare model to a rights-based model. |
What are the issues around Public Distribution System (PDS) Leakages?
PDS leakages refer to the portion of rice and wheat released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that does not reach consumers.
- Leakage Estimates and Comparison: National Sample Survey (NSS) – based estimates show higher leakages (54% in 2004-05, declining to 42% in 2011-12).
- Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS)-based estimates indicate lower leakages (49% in 2004-05, declining to 32% in 2011-12) suggesting better performance in capturing actual PDS usage.
- The IHDS is considered a more reliable source for PDS purchases compared to the NSS due to its focused methodology.
- Expanded PDS by States: Some states provide PDS grain to non-NFSA beneficiaries, increasing the overall leakage estimate. (leakages estimated to be 22%)
- Mismatch in Timing: NSS and FCI data operate on different reference years (agricultural year vs. financial year), which can affect the synchronization of data and lead to discrepancies in leakage estimates.
- Measurement Errors: NSS data relies on a 30-day recall period for consumption, which may lead to under-reporting and measurement errors, potentially inflating leakage estimates.
| Do you know why IHDS data is considered more reliable? • IHDS surveys are designed specifically to address human development issues. • IHDS employs a mixed recall period for consumption, which enhances accuracy in reporting. • IHDS can synchronize its data collection periods more effectively with the agricultural year, reducing mismatches. |
Way Forward:
- Although PDS is a vital social policy tool, it faces threats from experimental innovations like cash transfers and biometric authentication, which may undermine its effectiveness.
- Instead of pursuing these measures, the government should focus on expediting the delayed Census to prevent the exclusion of over 100 million people and consider including more nutritious items like pulses and edible oil in the PDS.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-food-security-act-has-revamped-the-pds/article68610659.ece
