In the event of non-supply of food grains, how the

Solution

National Food Security Act The Act provides for food and nutritional security in the human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to an adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices for people to live a life with dignity and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Salient Features of the NFSA o Coverage: The state-wise coverage was determined by the NITI Aayog based on the 2011-12 Household Consumption Expenditure survey of NSSO. o The Act legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). o About two-thirds of the population, therefore, is covered under the Act to receive highly subsidized foodgrains. Entitlements: o The food grains would be provided at highly subsidized prices under the Public Distribution System. o The Act ensures nutritional support to women and children. Pregnant and lactating women would be entitled to nutritious meals, free of charge under the MDM and ICDS schemes. o Children in the age group of 6-14 years would also be entitled to free nutritious meals under the MDM and ICDS schemes. o Maternity benefit of not less than Rs.6000 is also provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers. o The Act also empowers women by identifying the eldest woman of the household as the head of the household to issue ration cards. There is a provision of a food security allowance to the beneficiaries in the event of non-supply of food grains. Transparency: Provisions have been made to disclose the records related to the PDS to ensure transparency.