What Are Priority Households? And What To Know About It?

The government of India has taken various measures to ensure that all citizens, particularly those belonging to the economically weaker sections have access to basic amenities. One such initiative is the Identification of Priority Households under the NFSA (National Food Security Act). But what exactly does this mean and who benefits from these programs? Let us discuss this in simple terms.

Overview

Understanding Priority Households

A Priority Household Ration Card is a type of ration card given to below-average income families where they receive basic food grains at subsidised rates. The state governments identify these households while adhering to guidelines issued by the central government under NFSA eligibility criteria.

The National Food Security Act, of 2013 was enacted to provide food security by ensuring the availability of food at affordable prices. It means that priority households can access highly subsidised food grains like rice, wheat, and coarse cereals through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Read more: Ayushman Card

What Is NFSA Eligibility Criteria For Priority Households?

NFSA eligibility criteria refer to the conditions that define one as a priority household. These are established by respective state governments with slight differences between states. In general, the following aspects are considered:

• Economic Status: This translates to an annual income of around Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 32,000 per family, depending on the family size and specific regional guidelines.

• Family Size: More dependents in larger families often imply higher chances of qualifying as a priority household.

• Occupation: Families headed by someone involved in low-paying or informal employment may be placed on top of the list.

• Vulnerability: Some examples include elderly members living alone or single-headed families having disabled people among them.

If your family meets these criteria, you may be entitled to receive a Priority Household Ration Card, which will enable you to buy essential food grains at lower rates.

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Exclusion Priority Households Under NFSA

Individuals or families who don’t come under Priority Household under NFSA are mentione below in detail:

• Families who own a pucca house with at least 3 rooms.
• Families who pay taxes.
• A member of the family who is a pensioner or a member who earns Rs. 10000 per month in a rural area and Rs. 15000 per month in urban areas.
• A member of the family who is a govt. Employee.
• Households with a domestic electric connection.
• Families with businesses registered with the government.
• Families who own four-wheeler vehicles.
• Families who own agricultural equipment.

Benefits Of Priority Households Under NFSA

Classification as a Priority Household under NFSA comes with several benefits including:

• Subsidised Food Grains:

• Monthly Allocation: Each member of the priority household is entitled to receive 5 kg of food grains per month.
• Nutritional Security: Even the poorest sections of society can access vital nutrients which lowers the chances of malnutrition.

Read more: Aadhaar Card

How To Apply For A Priority Household Ration Card?

If you think your family fulfills NFSA eligibility criteria, then you will be required to apply for a Priority Household Ration Card through your state’s food and civil supplies department.

In most cases, this involves filling out an application form and providing necessary documents such as proof of identity, income, and residence.

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Why Understanding Priority Households Is Important

Knowing whether you qualify as a priority household can help you access the benefits provided by the government under the NFSA. These benefits help families with low incomes avoid going hungry.

By keeping abreast with NFSA eligibility criteria and ensuring that all your papers are in order, you can ensure that your family is covered. Government identification programs for priority households aim at ending hunger and achieving universal food security for everyone.

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Conclusion

India’s food security framework is built on priority households as the mainstay. The government makes sure that everyone has access to basic nutrition through the provision of subsidised food grains to those most in need of it. So if you think your family qualifies, go ahead and apply for a Priority Household Ration Card under NFSA and reap benefits from these core services.

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