FROM HUNGER TO FOOD SECURITY : THE STORY OF NFSA IN INDIA

 

National food security act is a food security legislation in India that aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large portion of the Indian population. The Act was passed in 2013 and has been implemented in most states in India.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide affordable and nutritious food to the vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society , including pregnant and lactating women, children and persons with disabilities.
• Ensure food security in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic down turns.
• Promote agricultural development and increase food production to ensure long term food security.

Under the NFSA , the government provides subsidized food grains ( wheat, rice, and coarse grains) to eligible households through PDS.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES RELATED TO NFSA

• Public distribution system : The PDS is nation wide network of fair price shops that distribute food grains to eligible households at subsidized prices. The PDS is the main channel trough which the government distributes food grains under the NFSA.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana : The AAY is a scheme under the NFSA that aims to provide food grains to the poorest of the poor households in the country. Under the AAY , eligible households are entitled to receive 35 KG of food grains per month at a subsidized rate.
• Annapurna scheme : The scheme provides food grains to senior citizens who are not covered by the PDS or the AAY . Under the Annapurna Scheme, eligible senior citizens are entitled to receive 10 KG  of food grains per month at a subsidised price.
• Mid day meal scheme : MDM scheme provides free cooked meals to school going children in government and government aided schools . This scheme is implemented in partnership with the NFSA and aims to improve the nutritional status of children and encourage school attendance.
• Integrated child development services : ICDS is a scheme that provides supplementary nutrition, pre school education and health care services to children below the age of 6 years and pregnant and lactating women. The ICDS is implemented in partnership with the NFSA and aims to improve the nutritional status of children and reduce malnutrition in the country.

These schemes aim to ensure the availability of affordable and nutritious food to vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society and improve food security in India.

The NFSA has been implemented in most states in India and it has had a significant impact on food security in the country. However , there have been some challenges in implementation , including  issues with distribution of food grains and identification of eligible households. The government has been working to address these challenges and improve the effectiveness of NFSA.

Overall the NFSA has had a positive impact on food security in India and has helped to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society have to access to affordable and nutritious food.