Q.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?

Body Analysis

Salient Features of the NFSA, 2013

• Legal Coverage: Covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), encompassing nearly two-thirds of India's population.
• Subsidized Food Grains: Entitles beneficiaries to 5 kg of food grains per person per month at highly subsidized prices: Rice at Rs. 3/kg, Wheat at Rs. 2/kg, and Coarse Grains at Rs. 1/kg.
• Support for the Poorest (AAY): Households under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (the poorest of the poor) continue to receive 35 kg of food grains per household per month.
• Nutritional Support for Women and Children:
  • Maternity Benefit: Pregnant women and lactating mothers receive nutritious take-home rations/meals and a cash transfer of at least Rs. 6,000.
  • Children's Meals: Free, age-appropriate meals for children aged 6 months to 14 years through Anganwadis and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in schools.
• Women Empowerment: The eldest woman (18 years or older) is designated as the head of the household for issuing ration cards.
• Grievance Redressal: Mandates District Grievance Redressal Officers and State Food Commissions to address delivery lapses.

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How NFSA Has Helped Eliminate Hunger and Malnutrition

1. Ensuring Food Access and Preventing Starvation

• The legally backed PDS has created a robust safety net, preventing starvation deaths during economic shocks.
• Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the integration of NFSA with the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provided free additional rations, preventing widespread hunger.

2. Improving Nutritional Intake for Vulnerable Groups

• Targeted nutritional interventions through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meals have improved maternal and child health.
• Example: Providing hot, cooked meals in schools has improved school enrollment and directly addressed classroom hunger and child wasting.

3. Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies

• The introduction of fortified staples (like fortified rice containing iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12) through the PDS has helped reduce anemia and hidden hunger.

4. Strengthening Rural Distribution Networks

• Doorstep delivery of food grains and digitized ration cards (One Nation One Ration Card) have reduced leakages, ensuring food reaches migrant workers and remote tribal communities.

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