Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Food Security Act, 2013
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court remarked that a long-term solution to food security issues is generating employment, while advocate Prashant Bhushan pointed out that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) still relies on 2011 census data.
About National Food Security Act, 2013:
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Details |
| Launch |
- NFSA was signed into law on 12th September 2013, with retroactive effect from 5th July 2013.
- It aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately 2/3rd of India’s population.
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| Aims and Objectives |
- Provide subsidized food grains to 2/3rd of India’s population, covering about 75% of rural and 50% of urban areas.
- Converts food security programs into legal entitlements.
- Recognizes maternity entitlements for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
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| Structural Mandate |
- Central Government directs states to implement the provisions of the Act (Section 38).
- Mandates that the subsidized prices remain fixed for 3 years (with no revision yet).
- Ensures that eligible households have a legal right to food grains at subsidized rates under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
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| Features and Programs |
- PDS provides 5 kg/person/month: Rice (₹3/kg), Wheat (₹2/kg), Coarse grains (₹1/kg).
- Eldest woman (18 years or above) in the household is considered the head of the family for issuing ration cards.
- Provides free meals to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 6 months to 14 years under ICDS and mid-day meal schemes.
- Ensures pregnant and lactating women receive a ₹6,000 cash benefit, payable in installments.
- Midday Meal and ICDS are universal, and PDS reaches 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.
- Priority Households get 5 kg of food grains per person per month, and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households get 35 kg per month.
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Why figures from 2011 Census still drive it?
- Data Discrepancy: The 2021 census is getting extensions indiscriminately. It would have identified additional beneficiaries, possibly up to 10 crore more people.
- Ration Card Issue: Many migrant workers had still not received ration cards, despite several court orders.
- Logistical and Administrative Constraints: Updating census-based allocations requires substantial administrative coordination and a shift in policy across the Centre and States.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
- The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
- The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only |
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