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Question

India is not in favour of extending blanket exemptions from export restrictions under the aegis of the WTO on food grains purchased for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) as it would restrict its policy space to deal with domestic food security concerns, an official statement said on Saturday. In the agriculture sector, the proponents on export restrictions are seeking outcome on two issues - exemption of food material purchased for non-commercial humanitarian purposes by the WFP from the application of export restrictions, and advance notification of export restrictive measures. These issues would figure in the 12th ministerial conference (MC) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), beginning here from June 12. MC is the highest decision making body of the 164-member organisation. It is meeting after a gap of four years. The Indian delegation at the conference is headed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Discussions on the agri sector are significant in the WTO as the supply chain of food grains in the global markets has been affected due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Under the WTO rules, members can temporarily impose export prohibitions or restrictions to prevent or relieve critical shortages of food material or other products essential to the country.

In the event of non-supply of food grains, how the Government compensate the beneficiaries under the NFSA?

A Provide double the food grains allotted in the next 15 days Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
B Provide 50% more food grains from different Fair Price Shop in the radius of not more than 15 kms Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
C Provide the allotted food grains in not less than a week’s time Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
D Provide food security allowance to the beneficiary Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
E No such provision Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

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.

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