Explain National Food Security Act.
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Explain National Food Security Act.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 is a landmark legislation enacted by the Government of India with the aim of ensuring food security for all citizens of the country. Here's an overview of the key provisions and objectives of the National Food Security Act:
Coverage and Entitlements: The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to identified beneficiaries through the Public Distribution System (PDS). It guarantees legal entitlements to food grains to priority households and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, covering up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.
Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS): Under the NFSA, the TPDS is restructured to provide food grains at subsidized rates to eligible households. Priority households are entitled to receive 5 kilograms of food grains per person per month, while AAY households receive 35 kilograms per household per month.
Identification of Beneficiaries: The NFSA mandates the identification of eligible households through a transparent and accountable process. State governments are responsible for identifying and updating the list of beneficiaries based on specified criteria, including income levels, social status, and vulnerability indicators.
Nutritional Support: The NFSA emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate nutrition for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under the age of 14. It provides for the provision of nutritious food items such as pulses, oils, and fortified food grains through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The NFSA establishes a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints related to the delivery of food grains and other entitlements under the Act. It mandates the appointment of District Grievance Redressal Officers (DGROs) and State Food Commissions to oversee the implementation of the Act and ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution of food grains.
Overall, the National Food Security Act represents a significant step towards addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in India by guaranteeing legal entitlements to food grains for eligible households and providing nutritional support to vulnerable groups. It reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the right to food and promoting the well-being of all citizens.