Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumAgriculture Sector Economics, Land Reforms, Subsidies, and Public Distribution System

Consider the following statements regarding the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 in India:

1. Under the Act, food security entitlements extend to up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population.
2. Beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month, whereas Priority Households receive 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
3. The identification of eligible Priority Households is conducted directly by the Central Government based on NITI Aayog guidelines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2, and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
The correct response identifies that Statements 1 and 2 are accurate statutory features of the National Food Security Act, 2013. The act provides legal entitlements for 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations, allocating 35 kg/month per household for AAY beneficiaries and 5 kg/month per person for Priority Households. Statement 3 is incorrect because section 10 of the NFSA specifically mandates State Governments to identify priority households within their allocated coverage limits.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding NFSA coverage limits.
NFSA 2013 mandates legal entitlement to subsidized foodgrains for up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population (covering overall ~67% of India's population). Statement 1 is correct.
This establishes the statutory demographic scope of the act.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding monthly foodgrain entitlements.
Under NFSA 2013, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households continue to receive 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month, while Priority Households are entitled to 5 kg per person per month. Statement 2 is correct.
NFSA categorizes beneficiaries into AAY and Priority Households with distinct entitlement metrics.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding administrative responsibility for beneficiary identification.
While the Central Government determines state-wise coverage allocations based on Census data, the actual identification of eligible priority households is delegated to State Governments and Union Territory administrations. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Federal administrative division reserves beneficiary identification for states/UTs.

Key Concept

National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 Statutory Coverage and Division of Responsibilities
Rate this question

Topics

Agriculture Sector Economics, Land Reforms, Subsidies, and Public Distribution System