Question

Consider the following: Which of the statement/statements regarding the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 is/are correct?

1. The NFSA extends coverage to 50% of the rural population and 75% of the urban population
2. The act sets up a National Food Security Commission responsible for monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the NFSA
3. The NFSA aims to reduce the availability of subsidized food grains to priority households.
4. The NFSA does not provide any provisions for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

• A. ii, iii
• B. ii only
• C. i only
• D. iii, iv

Answer 1

Answer:

B. ii only

The National Food Security Act (NFSA)

• The National Food Security Act (NFSA) is a significant social welfare legislation enacted by the Government of India in 2013.
• The primary objective of the NFSA is to ensure access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices to people, especially the most vulnerable sections of society, in order to eliminate hunger and malnutrition.
• The NFSA actually extends coverage to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, ensuring that a significant proportion of both rural and urban communities have access to subsidized food grains, thereby enhancing food security.
• The main objective of the NFSA is to increase the availability of subsidized food grains to priority households, including those below the poverty line.
• NFSA specifically includes provisions for the nutritional support of pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• It mandates the provision of free meals to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and for six months after childbirth.
• Additionally, it emphasizes the provision of nutritious meals, including mid-day meals and take-home rations, to children in schools and Anganwadi centers, thereby addressing the nutritional needs of pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The National Food Security Commission

• The National Food Security Commission is a significant institutional mechanism established under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 in India.
• This commission plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the NFSA and ensuring its effective execution across the country.
• Its primary responsibilities include :
  • Monitoring and reviewing the progress of the NFSA's implementation
  • Assessing the functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
  • Evaluating the overall impact of the act on the food security situation in India.