Model Answer:
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 is a landmark legislation in India aimed at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. This act marks a significant shift from welfare-based approaches to a rights-based framework for food security. The NFSA seeks to ensure access to adequate quantity and quality of food at affordable prices for 67 % of the population.
Salient Features of the National Food Security Act, 2013:
Coverage: The act aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India's 1.3 billion population.
Legal entitlement: It establishes the right to food as a legal entitlement, moving beyond the realm of policy initiatives.
Priority households: 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are entitled to receive subsidized food grains.
Quantity and pricing: Beneficiaries are entitled to 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidized rates (Rs. 3/kg for rice, Rs. 2/kg for wheat, and Rs. 1/kg for coarse grains).
Antyodaya Anna Yojana: The poorest of the poor continue to receive 35 kg of food grains per household per month.
Maternity benefits: Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a maternity benefit of Rs. 6,000.
Children's entitlements: Children aged 6 months to 14 years are entitled to take-home rations or hot-cooked meals.
Women empowerment: The eldest woman of the household (18 years or above) is considered the head of the household for issuing ration cards.
Impact of the Food Security Bill on Hunger and Malnutrition
Increased food grain distribution: The Public Distribution System (PDS) has significantly expanded its reach, providing subsidized food grains to a larger population.
Improved nutrition: The midday meal scheme and supplementary nutrition programs have contributed to improved nutritional status among children and women.
Enhanced food security: The act has helped in stabilizing food prices and ensuring the availability of food grains even during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Targeted approach: The focus on priority households has helped in reaching the most vulnerable sections of society.
Women empowerment: By recognizing women as heads of households for ration cards, the act has contributed to their empowerment and decision-making capacity.
Reduced malnutrition: The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) shows improvements in key nutrition indicators compared to NFHS-4 (2015-16), including a reduction in stunting and underweight children.
While the National Food Security Act has made significant strides in addressing hunger and malnutrition in India, there is still room for improvement.
By addressing these aspects, India can further strengthen its food security framework and move closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
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