Context:
The latest data available with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution shows that the state governments can identify 1.24 crore more beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Key Points about NFSA:
- Scope of Beneficiaries: The NFSA aims to cover up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population, totaling around 81.35 crore persons.
- Current Beneficiaries: As of July 19, 2023, the states and UTs have identified 80.11 crore beneficiaries under NFSA.
- Additional Beneficiaries: There is scope to identify 1.24 crore more beneficiaries across 21 states and UTs.
- Entitlement: Eligible households receive 5 kilograms of foodgrains per person per month at subsidized prices specified in the schedule.
- Free Foodgrains: Under NFSA, eligible beneficiaries can buy foodgrains at subsidized rates—rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and nutri-cereals at Rs 1/kg.
- Last year, The government decided to provide foodgrains free of cost to eligible households for a year.