National Food Security Act

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 is a landmark legislation that gives a legal entitlement to subsidised food grains to up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population of India. It covers approximately 81 crore people, making it one of the largest food security programmes in the world.

What Is the National Food Security Act?

Before NFSA, subsidised food grain distribution was a welfare scheme without any legal backing. NFSA 2013 converted it into a legal right. Eligible households are entitled to receive food grain at highly subsidised prices.

Under NFSA, beneficiaries are divided into two categories:

– **Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)**: the most food-insecure households receive 35 kg of grain per family per month
– **Priority Households (PHH)**: receive 5 kg per person per month

The NFSA price was Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat, and Re 1 per kg for coarse grains. In 2023, the government made this grain completely free under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), which has been extended indefinitely.

Who Is Covered?

State governments identify beneficiaries based on the coverage norms set by the central government (75% rural and 50% urban). Priority household families typically include:

– BPL families
– SC/ST households
– Landless labourers
– Marginal farmers
– Street vendors and informal sector workers

Distribution

Food grains are distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) using Fair Price Shops (ration shops). NFSA mandated the use of Aadhaar to reduce leakages and ensure the right beneficiaries receive their entitlement.

Rights of Beneficiaries

NFSA is a rights-based legislation. Beneficiaries have the right to:
– Receive entitled grain at the designated price
– File a complaint if the shop does not supply grain
– Seek compensation through grievance redressal mechanisms

Practical Example

Sarita lives in a rural village with her husband and three children. Her family holds a Priority Household ration card. Under NFSA, she is entitled to 25 kg of wheat per month (5 kg per person x 5 members) completely free since PM-GKAY. She collects it at the local fair price shop using her Aadhaar-linked ration card.

Key Takeaways

– NFSA 2013 gives a legal right to subsidised food grain to 75% rural and 50% urban households
– Priority households receive 5 kg per person per month; AAY households receive 35 kg per family
– Since PM-GKAY, this grain is distributed free of cost
– Distribution uses the PDS network of Fair Price Shops with Aadhaar verification
– NFSA was a landmark shift from welfare-based to rights-based food security policy