Q. 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?

Model Answer: 

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was passed in 2013 to provide legal entitlements to subsidized food grains to the vulnerable sections of the Indian population. The Act aims to ensure food security by providing food grains at affordable prices to the poor and needy. In this answer, we will discuss the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013 and how it has helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India.

Salient Features of National Food Security Act, 2013:

• Entitlements: The Act provides legal entitlements to subsidized food grains to 67% of the population in rural areas and 50% in urban areas.
• Priority households: Priority households, including those headed by women, destitute, homeless, and those affected by natural disasters, are entitled to receive food grains at subsidized prices.
• Food grains distribution: The Act ensures the distribution of food grains, including rice, wheat, and coarse grains, through the Public Distribution System (PDS) at subsidized prices.
• Nutritional support: The Act provides for the nutritional support of pregnant women and lactating mothers, children up to 6 years of age, and malnourished children up to the age of 14.
• Identification of beneficiaries: The Act provides for the identification of beneficiaries through a transparent and participatory process.
• Grievance redressal mechanism: The Act provides for the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism to address the complaints of beneficiaries.

Impact of National Food Security Act, 2013:

• Reduction in hunger and malnutrition: The National Food Security Act has played a significant role in reducing hunger and malnutrition in India by ensuring the availability of food grains at affordable prices to the poor and needy.
• Improved health outcomes: The Act has led to improved health outcomes among the vulnerable sections of the population, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
• Reduction in poverty: The Act has helped in reducing poverty by providing subsidized food grains to the poor and needy, reducing their food expenditure and increasing their disposable income.
• Enhanced food security: The Act has enhanced food security by ensuring the availability of food grains at affordable prices and providing nutritional support to vulnerable sections of the population.

Conclusion:

The National Food Security Act, 2013, is a significant step towards ensuring food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition in India. The Act has provided legal entitlements to subsidized food grains to the vulnerable sections of the population and has helped in reducing poverty and improving health outcomes. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve the goal of zero hunger in India, and the government needs to continue its efforts towards ensuring food security and eliminating hunger and malnutrition.