Previous Year Question
With reference to “National Food Security Act”, which of the following statements are correct?
It will cover up to 75% rural and 50% urban population.
It has special focus on nutritional support to women and children.
It was enforced on July 5, 2010.
Codes:
2 and 3 are correct
1 and 3 are correct
1, 2 and 3 are correct
1 and 2 are correct
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) provides food security coverage to up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. Thus, the Act covers approximately two-thirds of India's population. Under its provisions, eligible households receive foodgrains through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Statement 2 is also correct. The National Food Security Act places special emphasis on the nutritional security of women and children. It provides pregnant women and lactating mothers with free meals according to prescribed nutritional standards and maternity benefits of at least ₹6,000. Additionally, children aged 6 months to 14 years are entitled to age-appropriate nutritional support through Anganwadi centres and schools.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The National Food Security Act is deemed to have come into force on 5 July 2013, not 5 July 2010. The Act received Presidential assent on 10 September 2013. Under Section 1(3), it was given effect from 5 July 2013, the date on which the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 was promulgated.
The Act identifies two principal categories of beneficiaries—Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households. AAY households are entitled to 35 kilograms of foodgrains per household per month, whereas Priority Households are entitled to 5 kilograms per person per month. The Act also provides that the eldest woman aged 18 years or above in an eligible household shall be treated as the head of the household for the purpose of issuing ration cards.