Why in the News?
About 2.25 crore ineligible people were removed from the NFSA free ration list in the past 4–5 months to ensure benefits reach only rightful beneficiaries.
About Free Ration Scheme:
- Foodgrain Allocation: The scheme provides 5 kg of free foodgrains (wheat or rice) per person per month to poor households for basic sustenance.
- Criteria for Ineligibility: Ineligible individuals included those owning four-wheelers, earning above the income threshold, holding company directorships, or deceased persons.
- Verification Process: The Centre identified suspect entries and shared them with States for verification and deletion.
- Role of State Governments: States are responsible for identifying beneficiaries, issuing ration cards, and continuously updating lists.
- Current Coverage: The scheme currently covers around 80.56 crore people, with scope to add about 0.79 crore more beneficiaries.
- Ration Card & Distribution Network: India has over 19 crore ration card holders and around 5 lakh fair price shops.
- Beneficiary Categories:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): 35 kg per household per month
- Priority Households (PHH): 5 kg per person per month
About National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA):
- Enactment: NFSA was signed into law on 12 September 2013, with effect from 5 July 2013.
- Coverage Goal: It aims to provide subsidized food grains to about two-thirds of India’s population, covering 75% rural and 50% urban populations.
- Legal Entitlements: It converts food security schemes into legal entitlements for eligible households.
- Subsidized Prices: Mandated Targeted Public Distribution System prices:
- Rice – ₹3/kg
- Wheat – ₹2/kg
- Coarse grains – ₹1/kg
- Household Head Provision: The eldest woman aged 18 or above in a household is designated as the head for issuing ration cards.
- Nutritional Support: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children (6 months–14 years) receive free meals under ICDS and Mid-Day Meal schemes.
- Maternity Benefits: Pregnant and lactating women are entitled to a ₹6,000 maternity benefit, paid in installments.
- Entitlements Under NFSA:
- Priority Households: 5 kg foodgrains per person per month
- AAY Households: 35 kg per month
- Universal coverage of ICDS and Mid-Day Meals
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidies food grains. 2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only* (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only |
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