QUES . Evaluate the role of the National Food Security Act, 2013 in providing access of food to the poor in India.
HINTS:
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 was enacted with the primary objective of ensuring food security for all citizens of India, especially the poor and vulnerable sections. The act provides for the distribution of food grains at subsidized prices to the targeted population through the public distribution system (PDS).
Must read: National Food Security Act, 2013
The NFSA aims to provide legal entitlements to food to over two-thirds of the country’s population. It mandates the government to provide 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidized prices. The act also provides for the identification of priority households and their entitlement to 35 kg of food grains per household per month at a subsidized price.
One of the most significant achievements of the NFSA has been the expansion of the coverage of the PDS. The act has brought in significant changes in the PDS by eliminating leakages, reducing corruption, and making it more transparent. The act also mandates the use of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to ensure that the food reaches the targeted beneficiaries.
Another important feature of the NFSA is the inclusion of the Mid-Day Meal scheme, which provides hot cooked meals to school-going children. This scheme has played a significant role in increasing school enrollment and reducing malnutrition among children.
Despite these achievements, there have been some challenges in implementing the NFSA. There have been issues related to the identification of beneficiaries, delays in the delivery of food grains, and inadequate storage and distribution infrastructure. There have also been concerns about the quality of food grains distributed through the PDS.
In conclusion, the NFSA has played a crucial role in providing access to food for the poor in India. However, there is a need for continued efforts to address the challenges and make the PDS more effective and efficient. The government needs to ensure that the targeted beneficiaries are identified correctly, and food grains are delivered on time and of good quality. By addressing these challenges, the NFSA can fulfill its objective of ensuring food security for all citizens of India.
