Talk about the 2013 National Food Security Act’s characteristics.
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Talk about the 2013 National Food Security Act’s characteristics.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 is a landmark legislation in India that aims to ensure food security for all citizens by providing subsidized food grains. Enacted to address issues of hunger and malnutrition, the NFSA has several key features:
Entitlements for Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS): The NFSA identifies specific categories of beneficiaries who are entitled to receive subsidized food grains through the TPDS. These categories include priority households and eligible households.
Priority Households: Priority households are entitled to receive 5 kilograms of food grains per person per month at subsidized prices. This category includes the poorest of the poor and is entitled to higher quantities of subsidized food grains.
Eligible Households: Eligible households, which constitute a broader category, are entitled to a certain quantity of food grains at a price lower than the minimum support price. The identification of eligible households is based on criteria set by the state government.
Nutritional Support to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers: The NFSA provides for the nutritional support of pregnant women and lactating mothers. They are entitled to receive maternity benefits, which include a free meal during pregnancy and six months after childbirth.
Children's Entitlements: Children in the age group of 6 months to 14 years are entitled to receive a free meal at the local anganwadi or school under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Midday Meal (MDM) schemes.
Implementation through the TPDS: The NFSA mandates the continuation of the TPDS to distribute food grains to eligible beneficiaries. States and Union Territories are responsible for the identification of eligible households and the delivery of food grains through the existing fair price shops.
Coverage of Population: The NFSA aims to cover a substantial proportion of the population, with a focus on addressing the needs of the economically vulnerable and marginalized sections.
Nutritional Support for Children Under Six Years: The Act emphasizes the importance of providing nutritional support to children below the age of six by prescribing age-appropriate meals.
Reforms in PDS: The NFSA encourages reforms in the Public Distribution System (PDS) to improve its efficiency and transparency. It includes the use of technology to prevent leakages and diversions, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
State Responsibilities: The state governments are entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the NFSA. They are required to identify and provide entitlements to eligible households, maintain transparency in the implementation process, and address grievances through effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
The National Food Security Act, 2013, represents a significant step towards addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in India. By focusing on targeted distribution, maternal and child nutrition, and leveraging existing welfare schemes, the NFSA aims to make the right to food a reality for a large section of the population. The emphasis on transparency and technology in the implementation process reflects a commitment to improving the overall efficiency of food distribution systems in the country.