With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• The government has notified the National Food Security Act, 2013 on 10th September 2013.
• Objective: to provide for food and nutritional security in the human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity.
• Some of the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013 are as follows:
  • The Act ensures that approximately two-thirds of the population is covered, with up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population receiving subsidized foodgrains through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • According to the Act, the eldest woman in a household who is 18 years or older should be designated as the head of the household for the purpose of issuing ration cards. Hence, statement 2 is accurate.
  • In addition to providing meals to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and up to six months after childbirth, these women are also entitled to receive a maternity benefit of at least Rs. 6,000.
  • The nutritional and feeding standards for supplementary nutrition are as follows: 500 calories and 12-15 grams of protein for children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, 600 calories and 18-20 grams of protein for pregnant and nursing mothers (not 1600 calories), and 800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein for malnourished children.
  • Hence, statement 3 is not correct.