Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 as a landmark step aimed at providing subsidized food grains to a large proportion of the Indian population.
• Mention its objective of addressing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in India.

2. Key Features of NFSA

• Discuss the provisions such as the supply of subsidized food grains (wheat, rice, and millets) and its coverage (67% of the population).
• Highlight the focus on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

3. Challenges Faced by the NFSA

• Infrastructure Issues: Inadequate facilities in Anganwadi centers, leading to challenges in the delivery of nutritional programs.
  • Example: Poor sanitation, lack of clean drinking water, and insufficient staff (Source: NFSA implementation reports).
• Storage and Wastage: The Food Corporation of India’s storage infrastructure is overburdened, leading to food wastage and pilferage.
  • Example: Overcapacity in storage, leading to spoilage (Source: Food Corporation of India reports).
• Exclusion Errors: Digital systems linked to Aadhaar have excluded many beneficiaries, especially due to technical issues.
  • Example: Incomplete biometric data causing exclusions (Source: UIDAI reports).
• Lack of Awareness: Many migrant workers are unaware of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme and their entitlements.
  • Example: Low awareness about the scheme among migrant populations (Source: Social sector surveys).
• Nutritional Deficiency: The focus on food grains neglects a balanced diet for complete nutritional security.
  • Example: Nutritional gaps identified in health reports, especially in rural areas (Source: National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau).

4. Proposed Solutions

• Strengthening Infrastructure: Improve the infrastructure of Anganwadi centers and ensure adequate storage capacities.
• Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness initiatives targeting migrants and rural populations.
• Streamline Digitalization: Resolve Aadhaar-related exclusions and technical issues for inclusive access.
• Expand Nutritional Programs: Broaden the scope of food distribution to include a balanced diet, not just food grains.
• Financial Support: Increase the financial provisions for the implementation of the Act to address infrastructure and logistical challenges.

5. Conclusion

• Reaffirm the importance of the NFSA in addressing food security.
• Emphasize the need for improvements in infrastructure, awareness, and the comprehensive approach to nutrition.

Relevant Facts

1. Infrastructure Issues: Anganwadi centers face poor sanitation and staffing issues, affecting service delivery. (Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India)
2. Storage Challenges: The Food Corporation of India lacks adequate storage, leading to food grain wastage. (Source: Food Corporation of India Reports)
3. Exclusion Errors: Aadhaar-based digital systems result in exclusion due to technical issues like mismatched biometric data. (Source: UIDAI Reports)
4. Nutritional Deficiency: The focus on food grains is insufficient for meeting nutritional needs. (Source: National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau)
5. Awareness Gaps: Migrant workers’ lack of awareness about food security programs like the One Nation One Ration Card has led to exclusion. (Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs)