core sector communique

Review of National Food Security ACT

The Government has introduced the National Food Security Bill, 2011 in the Lok Sabha on 22.12.2011. After introduction, the Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution for examination, which is examining the same. This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister for Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution System in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. The Minister stated that presently, Government allocates foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to States/Union Territories (UTs) @ 35 kg per family per month for 6.52 crore Below Poverty Line families, including 2.43 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojana families. Allocations of foodgrains for Above Poverty Line families are made depending upon availability of foodgrain stocks in the Central Pool and past offtake by the States/UTs. Presently, these allocations range between 15 and 35 kg per family per month in different States/UTs. The National Food Security Bill, 2011 provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population, with at least 46% population belonging to priority households and upto 50% of the urban population, with at least 28% population belonging to priority households for receiving subsidized foodgrains under TPDS. Priority households will be entitled to receive 7 kg of foodgrains per person per month and General households will be entitled to receive not less than 3 kg of foodgrains per person per month, the Minister said.