Previous Year Question
With reference to the National Food Security Act, which of the following statements is/are correct?
I. It will cover upto 75 percent rural and 50 percent urban population.
II. Special focus on nutritional support to women and children.
III. Eldest woman of above 18 years age will be head of household.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
I and II are correct
II and III are correct
I, II and III are correct
None of these
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) aims to ensure food and nutritional security by providing foodgrains to eligible citizens. The Act is deemed to have come into force on 5 July 2013. Under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), it provides for foodgrain coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population. Therefore, Statement I is correct.
Special emphasis on the nutritional needs of women and children is a major feature of the Act. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to free meals according to prescribed nutritional standards and maternity benefits of at least ₹6,000, subject to specified conditions. Additionally, nutritious meals are provided to children aged 6 months to 14 years through Anganwadi centres and schools. Therefore, Statement II is correct.
According to Section 13 of the Act, the eldest woman aged 18 years or above in an eligible household shall be considered the head of the household for issuing ration cards. If no woman of this age is present, the eldest male member is temporarily designated as the head. When the eldest female member attains the age of 18 years, she becomes the head of the household. Therefore, Statement III is also correct. The statutory age requirement is 18 years or above.
Under the foodgrain distribution provisions, eligible Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per month, while each eligible member of a Priority Household (PHH) is entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per month. The Act also provides for transparency, grievance redressal, social audits, and food security allowances when entitled beneficiaries do not receive their prescribed foodgrains.