New Food Security Policy Approved, Ration Cards for 11 Lakh
Cabinet approves new food security policy, addressing ration card backlog for 11 lakh people.
Photo by M abnodey
Key Facts
Policy aims to address 11 lakh pending ration cards
Focus: Streamlining access to food supplies
Beneficiaries: Vulnerable populations
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Link to social justice and poverty alleviation.
Potential for questions on the effectiveness of PDS and challenges in implementation.
Visual Insights
Impact of New Food Security Policy
Key statistics related to the new food security policy and its potential impact on beneficiaries.
- Target Beneficiaries
- 11 Lakh
- NFSA Coverage
- 67%
- Subsidized Food Grain Allocation
- 5 kg/person/month
Number of pending ration cards to be addressed by the new policy. Directly impacts vulnerable populations.
Percentage of the population covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Shows the extent of food security net.
Quantity of subsidized food grains provided per person per month under NFSA. Essential for nutritional security.
More Information
Background
The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has its roots in the rationing system introduced during World War II. Initially, it was designed to ensure equitable distribution of essential commodities during times of scarcity. Post-independence, the PDS evolved into a crucial tool for poverty alleviation and food security.
The early focus was on providing subsidized food grains to urban areas, but gradually, its reach expanded to rural areas as well. Over the decades, the PDS has undergone several reforms, including the introduction of targeted PDS (TPDS) in 1997, which aimed to better target beneficiaries based on their economic status. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 marked a significant milestone, legally entitling a large section of the population to receive subsidized food grains.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the focus has shifted towards improving the efficiency and transparency of the PDS. The use of technology, such as Aadhaar-linked ration cards and electronic point of sale (e-PoS) devices, has been promoted to reduce leakages and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. There is also a growing emphasis on diversifying the commodities offered through the PDS, beyond just rice and wheat, to include pulses and other nutritious foods.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to integrate the PDS with other social welfare programs, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), to provide a more comprehensive safety net for vulnerable populations. The One Nation One Ration Card scheme is a significant step towards enabling migrant workers to access food grains from any fair price shop across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main goal of the new food security policy approved by the cabinet?
The policy aims to address the backlog of 11 lakh pending ration cards and streamline the process of providing essential food supplies to eligible individuals through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
2. For UPSC Prelims, what key number should I remember regarding this news?
Remember the number '11 lakh' as it represents the number of pending ration cards the new policy aims to address. This figure highlights the scale of the problem the government is trying to solve.
Exam Tip
Focus on numerical data related to government schemes.
3. How does this new food security policy impact vulnerable populations?
The policy is expected to improve food security for vulnerable populations by reducing delays in accessing government assistance and ensuring they receive essential food supplies through the PDS.
4. What is the historical background of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?
The PDS has its roots in the rationing system introduced during World War II to ensure equitable distribution of essential commodities during scarcity. Post-independence, it evolved into a tool for poverty alleviation and food security, initially focusing on urban areas before shifting towards improved efficiency and transparency.
5. What are some recent developments in the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
Recent developments focus on improving efficiency and transparency through technology, such as Aadhaar-linked ration cards and electronic point of sale (e-PoS) devices, to reduce leakages and ensure benefits reach intended beneficiaries. There's also an emphasis on diversifying the commodities offered.
6. Why is this new food security policy in the news recently?
This policy is in the news because the cabinet recently approved it to address the significant backlog of 11 lakh pending ration cards, aiming to streamline access to food for vulnerable populations.
7. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this new food security policy?
Potential benefits include improved food security for vulnerable populations and reduced delays in accessing government assistance. Drawbacks could involve challenges in implementation, ensuring accurate identification of beneficiaries, and preventing corruption within the PDS.
8. What reforms are needed to improve the Public Distribution System (PDS) further?
Reforms could focus on strengthening monitoring mechanisms, enhancing transparency through digitization, diversifying commodities offered, and promoting community participation to ensure effective implementation and prevent corruption.
9. How does the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 relate to this new policy?
While the provided text doesn't explicitly detail the relationship, the new policy likely aims to strengthen the implementation of the NFSA 2013 by addressing ration card backlogs and improving access to subsidized food grains for eligible beneficiaries.
10. What is a ration card, and why is it important for food security?
A ration card is a document that enables eligible individuals and families to purchase subsidized food grains and other essential commodities through the Public Distribution System (PDS). It is crucial for food security as it ensures access to affordable food, especially for vulnerable populations.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: 1. It provides a legal entitlement to subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the population. 2. The Act covers only families Below Poverty Line (BPL). 3. It mandates the use of Aadhaar for availing benefits under the Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as NFSA provides legal entitlement to subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the population. Statement 2 is incorrect as NFSA covers both BPL and APL families. Statement 3 is incorrect as while Aadhaar is encouraged, it is not mandatory.
2. With reference to the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, consider the following: List I (Components) a. Fair Price Shops b. Food Corporation of India c. State Governments List II (Functions) 1. Procurement and storage of food grains 2. Distribution of food grains to beneficiaries 3. Identification of eligible households Which of the following is the correct matching of List I to List II?
- A.a-1, b-2, c-3
- B.a-2, b-1, c-3
- C.a-3, b-2, c-1
- D.a-2, b-3, c-1
Show Answer
Answer: B
Fair Price Shops are responsible for the distribution of food grains to beneficiaries. The Food Corporation of India is responsible for the procurement and storage of food grains. State Governments are responsible for the identification of eligible households.
3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)? A) Focus on Below Poverty Line (BPL) families B) Uniform issue prices for all beneficiaries C) Decentralized procurement of food grains D) Involvement of local bodies in monitoring
- A.Focus on Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
- B.Uniform issue prices for all beneficiaries
- C.Decentralized procurement of food grains
- D.Involvement of local bodies in monitoring
Show Answer
Answer: B
TPDS does not have uniform issue prices for all beneficiaries. It has differential pricing for BPL and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. The other options are characteristics of TPDS.
Source Articles
Over 11 lakh people awaiting ration cards: Delhi Cabinet nod to new food security policy | Delhi News - The Indian Express
Income cap for ration card raised to Rs 1.2 lakh in Delhi, ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis no longer applicable | Delhi News - The Indian Express
Ration cards of 1.9 lakh beneficiaries e-verified in Capital | Delhi News - The Indian Express
Cabinet meet: UP Govt sets aside Rs 179.42 cr to boost ration delivery | India News - The Indian Express
70 lakh ration beneficiaries are suspect, states asked to verify: Govt | India News - The Indian Express