Introduction
With a population of 1.4 billion, ensuring food security in India is a complex challenge. The Indian Parliament passed the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in 2013 to address this issue by providing subsidized food grains to two-thirds of the population, approximately 800 million households. Of these, 75% are from rural areas and 50% are from urban areas. Beneficiaries are identified based on Socio-Economic Caste Census data. However, issues arise in accurately identifying beneficiaries among the large population, and concerns persist regarding the quality and nutritional value of the food grains and their pricing. The Niti Aayog has also suggested updates to the Act.
Objectives
1. Evaluate the current regulatory framework and its effectiveness in the context of the National Food Security Act.
2. Identify and analyse the problems associated with enforcing the Act.
3. Propose suggestions for improving the implementation of the Food Security Act in India.
Current Regulatory Framework
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) establishes a legal entitlement to 5 kg of food grains per person per month at subsidized rates (1 to 3 rupees per kg). It covers 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. The Act also provides special provisions for pregnant and lactating mothers, including nutritious meals and maternity benefits of at least 6,000 rupees for six months through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Although the Act has been implemented across all states and union territories, not all adopted it simultaneously. The Central Government is responsible for allocating food grains to states and union territories, while state and local governments manage the identification, allocation, and distribution of these grains. If beneficiaries do not receive their allocated food grains, they are entitled to a food security allowance from the state government. Additionally, the National Food Security Act (NFSA) introduced a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in 2015, allowing for cash transfers in specific areas with state approval.
Problems in Enforcement
1. Administrative and Bureaucratic Challenges:
- Managing the costs associated with subsidized food grains and establishing administrative structures like Central and State Food Commissions is complex and costly.
- The multi-stage distribution process is prone to corruption, as seen in past scandals like the coal allocation scam and the National Rural Health Mission Scam, 2010. In Setara Begam vs. State Of West Bengal & Ors, in this case, the main issue was “whether the right of a dealer or distributor under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution is infringed upon curtailment of ration cards of a dealer or distributor on the declaration of a new vacancy.”
2. Storage and Distribution Issues:
- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) faces storage problems, including food grain wastage due to pests, fungus, and rodents. Inadequate storage capacity, especially in Northern regions, exacerbates these issues.
3. Beneficiary Identification:
- The data used for identifying beneficiaries is outdated, based on the 2011 census. This leads to inaccuracies in beneficiary identification and potential manipulation by officials and politicians.
4. Agricultural Challenges:
- Indian farmers face natural hazards such as floods and droughts, along with issues related to low market prices, affecting the overall food supply chain.
Suggestions for Improvement
1. Update Beneficiary Data:
Conduct a new census to update the number of beneficiaries and better reflect current population needs.
2. Enhance Storage and Distribution Infrastructure:
Invest in modern storage facilities and improve transportation methods to reduce food wastage and enhance distribution efficiency.
3. Adopt Scientific Methods for Food Protection:
Implement advanced techniques to protect food grains from pests and spoilage.
4. Strengthen ICDS Centres:
Establish new ICDS centres where they are lacking and ensure the proper functioning of existing centres to improve maternal and child nutrition services.
5. Improve Beneficiary Identification:
Develop a more accurate and transparent process for identifying beneficiaries, including periodic re-evaluation of ration cards.
6. Enhance Monitoring and Accountability:
Strengthen monitoring mechanisms and scrutinize local bodies to reduce corruption and improve operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The National Food Security Act of 2013 represents a significant effort by the Indian government to ensure food security for a large portion of the population. While the Act has achieved some success, its implementation faces challenges such as corruption, food distribution leakages, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated beneficiary data. Addressing these issues through political will, administrative reforms, and investment in infrastructure is crucial. The recent extension of the free food grains scheme for an additional five years, as decided by the Union Cabinet in November 2023, highlights a continued commitment to addressing food security. However, substantial improvements are necessary to fully realize the Act’s objectives and enhance India’s standing in the global hunger index.
