What Is The National Food Security Act? Key Features And Impact

Food is one of the basic requirements of every human being, irrespective of their geo locations or socio-economic backgrounds. In India, the government created and introduced an act called the National Food Security Act in 2013. The primary aim of the act is to provide people with nutritious food grains at subsidised prices so that people, especially from low-income backgrounds, can purchase food at affordable rates.

Read the article to learn more about the Food Security Act, ranging from its objectives and benefits to eligibility criteria and the future of the act.

What Is The National Food Security Act?

The NFSA was introduced by the government of India in the year 2013. The NFSA full form is National Food Security Act, which has the purpose to ensure that no one in the country goes to sleep hungry and minimise the rate of malnutrition. Under the scheme, eligible people can purchase food grains at subsidised rates through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Special Allowances Concerning Food And Women & Children

If an individual is eligible under the NFSA through the AAY program, they are entitled to receive 35 kg per month. The act also pays special attention to women, especially pregnant and lactating women, during and after the pregnancies for at least an additional period of 6 months. Children up to the age of 6 years can also enjoy the service of free meals, and children up to the age of 14 years can avail the benefits of the mid-day meal scheme.

Read More: What Is The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?

Who Are The Beneficiaries Under TPDS?

The class of beneficiaries under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) who can apply for the NFSA Ration card is of three major types:

• AAY: People under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), including rural craftsmen, marginal farmers, slum dwellers, artisans, destitute individuals, landless labourers, etc.

• BPL: Families under the Below Poverty Line (BPL).

• APL: Families under the Above Poverty Line (APL).

TPDS Beneficiaries & Entitlements

The beneficiaries, funds, and food grain allocation under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) are listed below in a tabular format:

What Are The Challenges Of NFSA?

Like every other government scheme and act, the National Food Security Act, 2013 faces some challenges that hinder its implementation, such as:

• Even though the central government allocates around 2.5 trillion in NFSA, it is still not adequate. The act requires much more budgetary allowance to strengthen its components, such as the system of PDS.

• There are many impostors enrolled as beneficiaries in NFSA with their NFSA Ration card, because of which many real eligible people fail to get registered under the act. This is one of the major reasons why the act faces issues in the proper identification of the target population.

• Another key challenge of the Food Security Act is the quality and variety of food grains distributed through the Public Distribution System.

Conclusion

The National Food Security Act, launched back in 2013, has changed the landscape of India and has served the role of a knight for people who belong to the low-income groups. We urge and request you to educate yourself about NFSA and apply if eligible. Let the government make your lives healthy and a bit easier.

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