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The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring food security for the marginalized and vulnerable sections of Indian society. The Act has been instrumental in transforming the food security landscape in India, but its implementation has also been marred by several challenges.

Key Provisions of the NFSA

  1. Entitlements: The Act provides for entitlements of 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month at subsidized prices to 67% of the population, including the poorest of the poor. (Source: NFSA, 2013)
  2. Priority Households: The Act identifies priority households, including those with no adult male member, households with disabled members, and households with female-headed households. (Source: NFSA, 2013)
  3. Maternity Benefits: The Act provides for maternity benefits, including a cash transfer of ₹6,000 to pregnant women and lactating mothers. (Source: NFSA, 2013)
  4. Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The Act establishes a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints and grievances related to the implementation of the Act. (Source: NFSA, 2013)

Implementation Challenges

  1. Identification of Beneficiaries: The identification of beneficiaries has been a major challenge, with many eligible households being left out of the scheme.
  2. Supply Chain Management: According to Food Corporation of India – The management of the supply chain has been a significant challenge, with many beneficiaries facing difficulties in accessing subsidized foodgrains.
  3. Funding: The Act requires significant funding, which has been a challenge, particularly for state governments. –  Ministry of Finance Report, 2020
  4. Capacity Building: The implementation of the Act requires significant capacity building, particularly at the grassroots level.

Impact of the NFSA

  1. Increased Access to Food: The Act has increased access to food for millions of people, particularly in rural areas.
  2. Reduced Hunger and Malnutrition: The Act has contributed to a reduction in hunger and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.
  3. Empowerment of Women: The Act has empowered women, particularly in rural areas, by providing them with access to subsidized foodgrains and maternity benefits.
  4. Promotion of Social Justice: The Act has promoted social justice by providing access to subsidized foodgrains to marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

National Food Security Act, 2013, has been a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring food security for the marginalized and vulnerable sections of Indian society.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish May 28, 2025