Why in the News?
The draft amendment proposes to link Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) foodgrain entitlement to household size, raising concerns over food access, nutrition security and equity.
What is NFSA, 2013?
- NFSA: National Food Security Act, 2013
- Provides legal entitlement to subsidised foodgrains.
- Coverage: 75% rural and 50% urban population.
- Priority Households: 5 kg foodgrains/person/month.
- AAY: 35 kg/household/month.
What is AAY?
- AAY: Antyodaya Anna Yojana
- Targets the poorest of the poor.
- Currently provides 35 kg per household per month, irrespective of family size.
Problem with Flat Entitlement
- Large AAY families receive less foodgrain per person. A 7 member family gets only about 5 kg/person, while an 8 member family gets about 4.4 kg/person.
What does the Draft Amendment Propose?
- 7 kg/person, subject to a 35 kg household cap.
- Smaller households could receive less than the existing 35 kg.
- Hence, the proposal may correct inequality by reducing existing entitlements.
Key Concerns
- Coverage ceiling: NFSA ceiling of 81.35 crore is based on Census 2011.
- Nutrition gap: Grain security does not automatically mean nutrition security.
- Diabetes burden: India had an estimated 101 million diabetics and 136 million prediabetics in 2021.
- Cereal dependence: High carbohydrate intake can contribute to dietary imbalance.
“[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 subsidised 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.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
“[2021 GS3 15m] What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?”