Food Security: PDS, NFSA, and Nutrition Security

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Indian Economy Sub-area: Food Security - PDS, NFSA, Nutrition Difficulty: Medium Weightage: High (2 Prelims + Mains on welfare/poverty)

EXAMINER REASONING

1. Trap: Thinking NFSA 2013 covers the entire population (it covers 67% of population for subsidized foodgrains).
2. Most confused: TPDS vs NFSA - NFSA provides legal entitlement; TPDS is the operational mechanism.
3. Key anchor: National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 - provides legal right to food for 67% population.
4. Current affairs hook: PMGKAY extension debate (2024-25); Nutrition status indicators (NFHS-5 vs NFHS-6); MSP legal guarantee vs NFSA procurement linkage.
5. Mains hinge: "India's food security architecture successfully addresses calorie adequacy but fails on nutritional security. Critically examine."

Core Concept

National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

• Coverage: 67% population (75% rural, 50% urban)
• Entitlement: 5 kg/person/month of subsidized foodgrains (rice ₹3/kg, wheat ₹2/kg, coarse grains ₹1/kg)
• Priority HH: 5 kg/person/month (was 7 kg pre-2013)
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): 35 kg/HH/month - poorest of the poor
• Legal Rights: Right to food under NFSA - can approach grievance redressal
• Reforms: One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) - implemented 2022

PDS Mechanism

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