With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL)' only are eligible to receive subsidised grains. 2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2 only
Analyzing National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 Provisions
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 is an Act of the Parliament of India that aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of the Indian population. Let's examine each statement concerning the provisions made under this Act.
Evaluation of Statements on NFSA 2013
Let's break down each statement to determine its accuracy according to the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Statement 1: The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL)' only are eligible to receive subsidised grains.
- This statement is incorrect.
- The National Food Security Act, 2013 provides coverage to up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population.
- Eligibility is determined by criteria set by state governments based on inclusion and exclusion norms, not solely restricted to the historical 'Below Poverty Line (BPL)' category. The Act moves towards a rights-based approach covering a significant portion of the population, identified as 'Priority Households' and, in some states, 'General Households', based on socio-economic criteria, which are broader than just the old BPL list.
Statement 2: The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
- This statement is correct.
- Section 13 of the National Food Security Act, 2013 specifically states that the eldest woman who is not less than eighteen years of age, in every eligible household, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of ration cards.
- This provision is aimed at empowering women and ensuring that household food security is linked to the woman in the family.
Statement 3: Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
- This statement is incorrect.
- The National Food Security Act, 2013 (Section 4) mandates nutritional support to pregnant women and lactating mothers. This includes a meal free of charge during pregnancy and six months after child birth, through the local Anganwadi, and maternity benefit of not less than six thousand rupees.
- While supplementary nutrition norms under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme (which is linked to NFSA implementation) do specify calorie and protein requirements, the figure of "1600 calories per day" as a direct entitlement for pregnant women and lactating mothers specifically as a 'take-home ration' under NFSA is inaccurate. ICDS norms for pregnant/lactating women typically aim for supplementary nutrition providing around 500-600 kcal and 18-20g protein. The 1600 kcal figure is sometimes associated with severely malnourished children under ICDS, not generally with pregnant/lactating women's daily take-home ration under NFSA.
Summary of Findings
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is incorrect because eligibility under NFSA is broader than just BPL families.
- Statement 2 is correct as NFSA designates the eldest woman (18+) as the head of the household for ration cards.
- Statement 3 is incorrect regarding the specific calorie count of 1600 kcal per day as a mandated NFSA take-home ration for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.
The correct option is the one that includes only statement 2.
| Statement | Assessment under NFSA 2013 | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility for subsidised grains is only for BPL families. | NFSA covers up to 75% rural & 50% urban population based on broader criteria, not just BPL. | Incorrect |
| 2. Eldest woman (18>) is head of household for ration card. | Section 13 of NFSA mandates this provision. | Correct |
| 3. Pregnant women/lactating mothers entitled to 1600 kcal/day take-home ration. | NFSA provides meals and maternity benefits; 1600 kcal figure is not a direct, universal NFSA entitlement for this category/form. | Incorrect |
Conclusion
Only statement 2 accurately reflects a provision of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Revision Table: National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013
| Key Provision | Details under NFSA 2013 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 75% of rural and 50% of urban population. |
| Entitlements (Priority Households) | 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidised prices (Rice at \( \text{₹}3/\text{kg} \), Wheat at \( \text{₹}2/\text{kg} \), Coarse Grains at \( \text{₹}1/\text{kg} \)). |
| Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Households | 35 kg of food grains per household per month at the same subsidised prices. |
| Identification | State governments identify eligible households based on criteria prescribed by the State. |
| Women's Empowerment | Eldest woman \( \geq \) 18 years of age is head of household for ration card. |
| Nutritional Support for Women & Children | Meals for pregnant/lactating mothers and children up to 14 years through ICDS/Mid-Day Meal schemes. Maternity benefit of not less than \( \text{₹}6000 \) for pregnant women and lactating mothers. |
Additional Information: Food Security Concepts
Understanding food security involves looking beyond just the availability of food. It encompasses multiple dimensions:
- Availability: Sufficient quantities of food are available consistently.
- Access: Individuals have adequate resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet. This includes physical and economic access.
- Utilization: Proper biological use of food, requiring a diet providing sufficient energy and essential nutrients, potable water, and adequate sanitation.
- Stability: Access to adequate food at all times; not losing access as a result of sudden shocks (e.g., economic crisis, climatic events) or cyclical events (e.g., seasonal food insecurity).
The National Food Security Act, 2013 primarily focuses on enhancing *access* and *availability* through targeted public distribution of subsidised grains, while also addressing *utilization* through nutritional support programs for vulnerable groups like women and children and *stability* by providing a legal entitlement.
