The Government of India has given six more months to the states for the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA). The announcement was made by Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. The NFSA was passed in September 2013. Till now only 11 states and Union Territories have implemented the National Food Security Act. The remaining 25 states and Union Territories have not implemented it yet. It is third time, this deadline has been extended and the second deadline was to end on 4 April 2015.
To ensure proper distribution of PDS supplies, the minister said that the Government has decided to give a fixed cash amount of Rs 87 per quintal, to be contributed equally by Centre and the state, to ration shop dealers.
National Food Security Act 2013
- NSFA aims at providing legal entitlement to 5 kg of subsidised foodgrains to the identified person per month.
- Grains like wheat, rice and coarse grain (one kg) will be distributed at the price of 3 Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Rs. 1 respectively.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers and children are eligible for free meals. The age group would be 6 months to 14 years.
- NFSA includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and the Public Distribution System.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers will be entitled to get maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.
- The NFSA Act is also known as Right to Food Act.