National Food Security Act, 2013

The National Food Security Act, 2013 makes access to specified foodgrains, nutritious meals and maternity support a legal entitlement. It combines the Targeted Public Distribution System with life-cycle nutritional support for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Foodgrain entitlements under TPDS

The Act provides all-India TPDS coverage for up to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban population.

• Each member of a Priority Household is entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per month.
• Each household covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana is entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per month, irrespective of household size.
• The Union government determines state-wise coverage, while state governments identify eligible households under prescribed criteria.
• The eldest woman aged 18 years or above is ordinarily treated as the head of an eligible household for issuing the ration card.

Nutrition for pregnant women and children

Sections 4-6 create enforceable entitlements delivered through anganwadis and schools. Meals must meet the calorie and protein standards specified in Schedule II.

• An eligible pregnant woman or lactating mother is entitled to a free meal during pregnancy and for six months after childbirth, providing 600 calories and 18-20 grams of protein.
• She is also entitled to a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000, paid in prescribed instalments.
• Children aged six months to six years are entitled to an age-appropriate free meal through the local anganwadi, providing 500 calories and 12-15 grams of protein.
• Children aged 6-14 years, studying up to Class VIII in government, local-body or government-aided schools, are entitled to one free mid-day meal on every school day.
• Children suffering from malnutrition must be identified and given free meals through anganwadis, meeting the higher standard of 800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein.

Prices and enforceability

The Act originally fixed issue prices at Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 for wheat and Rs 1 for coarse grains for three years. Thereafter, the Central government may fix prices subject to the statutory ceiling linked to the relevant minimum support price.

• If an entitled person does not receive the prescribed foodgrains or meals, the state government must provide a food security allowance as prescribed by the Central government.
• This remedy makes food and nutritional support statutory entitlements rather than merely administrative assistance.