National Food Security Act 2013

I am excited to share my article selected for LAMP PRS India on the National Food Security Act of 2013.

Ralph Waldo Emerson remarked that "Health is the Greatest wealth," and this is true in every age and in every century. Thus, as of now. We all understand how important food is to survival. The National Food Security Act 2013 ensured the provision of food grains to roughly 80 crore beneficiaries during the coronavirus pandemic, preventing the poor and at-risk beneficiaries from suffering owing to a lack of suitable food grains during the economic crisis. 

The National Food Security Act and Targeted Public Distribution System, and other schemes included the Aatmnirbar Bharat package, but many people who were not involved in these schemes, such as migrant workers, etc.., were also provided free schemes and other benefits. NFSA aims to tackle the root cause of hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in India. The act also helps to create an environment of economic stability and improved health awareness, ultimately leading to long-term development and progress.  

The National Food Security Act {NFSA} was notified on 10 September 2013 to ensure access to food for the economically weaker sections of society. Since 2002 India has made substantial progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition. The National Food Security Act is a milestone development in India's efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in India. Through this act, the government has provided food security cards to nearly two-thirds of India's population. NFSA ensures the nutritional security of vulnerable people, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. 1997 Targeted Public Distribution System{TPDS}  and the Antyodaya  Anna Yojana {AAY} were transformed into legal rights under the National Food Security Act of 2013. For getting subsidized food grains under TPDS.  At present, the families included in the Antyodaya Anna Yojana have 35kg of food grains per month.

• NFSA covers up to 50% of the urban population and 75% of the rural population. 

• Disability is also included in AAY households.

• People who are below the poverty threshold and just above it can receive assistance.

• Each person receives a limit of 5kg of food each month -3kg of rice, 2kg of wheat, months, and,  1kg is coarse grains.

• Children between the ages of 6-14 get mid-day meals in schools.

• Female maternity benefits of not less than 6000 rupees to expectant mothers and 6 months after childbirth.

• Free meals at the local Anganwadi including with 0-6 year children.

• Food security allowance to beneficiaries in case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals.

• According to state government rules, priority households will receive TPDS coverage.

• Setting up of grievance redressal mechanism at the level district and state levels.

For the purpose of empowering women, a provision in the legislation states that only women over the age of 18 shall be regarded as heads of households, and the ration card will be provided in the same women's name. under the act, the eligible person has been given the right to get a food security allowance in the event of not getting the weight of his portion.

The Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 43 of Part IV of the constitution of India, Encourage People to raise the level of nutrients and the people and to improve public health.