Q. With reference to the “National Food Security Act”, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It will cover up to 75% rural and 50% urban population.
2. It has a special focus on nutritional support to women and children.
3. It was enforced on July 5, 2010.
a) 2 and 3 are correct.
b) 1 and 3 are correct.
c) 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
d) 1 and 2 are correct.
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2024
Correct Answer: d) 1 and 2 are correct.
Explanation:
1. Statement 1: It will cover up to 75% rural and 50% urban population.
– This statement is correct. As per the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are entitled to receive subsidized food grains under the Act. This is explicitly mentioned in the salient features of the Act.
2. Statement 2: It has a special focus on nutritional support to women and children.
– This statement is correct. The NFSA places a strong emphasis on nutritional support for vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. For example:
– Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious “take-home ration” of 600 calories and a maternity benefit of at least ₹6,000 for six months.
– Children aged 6 months to 14 years are entitled to free hot meals or “take-home rations.”
– This demonstrates the Act’s focus on improving nutrition for women and children.
3. Statement 3: It was enforced on July 5, 2010.
– This statement is incorrect. The NFSA was signed into law on September 12, 2013, but it was made retroactive to July 5, 2013. It was introduced in Parliament in December 2012 and promulgated as a presidential ordinance on July 5, 2013. There is no connection to the year 2010.
– Therefore, the correct answer is d) 1 and 2 are correct.
Source: https://controllerofrationing-mumbai.gov.in/scheme/national-food-security-act-2013/
