What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013 ? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 marked a significant shift from a welfare-based to a rights-based approach to food security in India. It is one of the largest food safety nets globally, aiming to cover up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population. Under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), eligible individuals receive 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month at subsidized rates of ₹3/2/1 per kg for rice, wheat, and coarse grains.
The Act prioritizes women and children, ensuring nutritional support through schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Mid-Day Meal program for children up to 14 years, and pregnant and lactating women. It also promotes women's empowerment by mandating that the eldest woman (18 years or above) be the head of the household for ration card issuance.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the NFSA provides for grievance redressal mechanisms at district and state levels. The Act has played a crucial role in reducing hunger and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as a lifeline by facilitating the distribution of additional free foodgrains under the PM-GKAY scheme, helping avert a food crisis.
By integrating with existing nutrition programs, NFSA has improved dietary intake among children and mothers. However, challenges persist, such as leakages in the PDS, exclusion errors, and the limited nutritional diversity in food entitlements, indicating the need for systemic reforms and a more diversified food basket.
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