Q4. The Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in the WTO. 

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Food Security Bill aims to address hunger and malnutrition by ensuring subsidized food to vulnerable populations in India. However, implementation challenges and WTO concerns impact its broader efficacy and sustainability.

Body

Implementation Challenges

1. Logistical Issues: Large-scale distribution requires effective transport and storage; existing inefficiencies and food wastage hinder delivery.
2. Targeting Errors: Identifying beneficiaries accurately is difficult, often leading to exclusion and leakage in food supply chains.
3. Financial Burden: Subsidizing food strains India’s fiscal resources, challenging long-term sustainability given the budget implications.
4. Local Production Impact: Increased demand for food grains through procurement can destabilize local markets and discourage crop diversity.

WTO Concerns

1. Trade Distortions: The Bill’s subsidies could distort market prices, sparking tensions in international trade by making India’s grain prices artificially low.
2. Subsidy Limits: India’s subsidy mechanisms may violate WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture, which sets limits to prevent trade imbalances.
3. Food Export Restrictions: Increased procurement for domestic needs could impact India’s export commitments, potentially reducing food availability globally.
4. Transparency Requirements: WTO demands greater transparency in subsidy reporting, placing additional administrative burdens on India for compliance.

Conclusion

The Food Security Bill promises socio-economic progress but requires systemic improvements in distribution, financial planning, and policy alignment with WTO norms to realize sustainable food security goals for India.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

‍