National Food Security Act, 2013

The National Food Security Act, 2013 creates a legal entitlement to foodgrains for eligible households through the Targeted Public Distribution System. It distinguishes between Priority Households and households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, with different quantities prescribed for each.

Household entitlements

• Every person belonging to a Priority Household is entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per month through the Targeted Public Distribution System.
• Each household covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana is entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per month, irrespective of household size.
• The Antyodaya entitlement protects the poorest households, while the per-person entitlement adjusts the allocation of other Priority Households according to family size.

Coverage and identification

The Act provides coverage for up to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban population at the all-India level. The Union government determines state-wise coverage, while state governments identify eligible households according to prescribed criteria.

• State governments identify Antyodaya households in accordance with the applicable Central government guidelines.
• For issuing ration cards, the eldest woman aged 18 years or above is ordinarily treated as the head of the eligible household.

Prices and enforceability

The Act originally specified issue prices of Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 for wheat and Rs 1 for coarse grains for three years from its commencement. Thereafter, the Central government may fix prices, but the statutory ceiling is the relevant minimum support price.

• If an entitled person does not receive the prescribed quantity, the concerned state government must provide a food security allowance as prescribed by the Central government.
• These provisions make access to the specified quantity a legal entitlement rather than merely an administrative benefit.