NFSA – National Food Security Act

The National Food Security Act ensures affordable food for millions in India through subsidised food grains. Know how the NFSA works and how to apply for a ration card.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), introduced in 2013, aims to provide affordable food grain to millions of people in India. It covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, ensuring subsidised food grains for about two-thirds of the country. 

By making food a legal right, the Act helps reduce hunger and improve access to basic nutrition. The NFSA brings together key schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meals (MDM), and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). 

Each person is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per month at low prices. It aims to support children, women, and the elderly, ensuring that needy groups have access to food.

The National Food Security Act ensures subsidised food grains for eligible households. The key objectives of the NFSA include:

• Making food grains accessible to eligible households through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)

• Ensuring nutritional security by integrating schemes like the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

• Providing food grains at affordable rates such as ₹3 per kg for rice, ₹2 per kg for wheat, and ₹1 per kg for coarse grains

• Upholding the constitutional principle of enabling every individual to live with dignity by ensuring food security

The Act focuses on needy groups, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It ensures food is a legal right for over two-thirds of the population.

The National Food Security Act helps ensure affordable food for families in need through ration cards. It divides beneficiaries into two groups: Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. 

People in PHH get 5 kg of food grains per person per month, while AAY families receive 35 kg per family per month. These subsidised food grains are provided through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). 

NFSA makes ration cards an important way to support the affected communities, ensuring they have access to basic food and nutrition for a dignified life.

To obtain a ration card under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), you should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You should be a citizen of India to qualify for a ration card

• You cannot hold a ration card from any other state

• You must reside in the state where the ration card is being applied for

• Cook and live separately

• Eligibility is based on state-specific income and economic criteria for ration cards under TPDS

• You and the member of the family must be close relatives

State governments verify applications and issue ration cards to eligible households as per the guidelines of the National Food Security Act.

To apply for a ration card under the Targeted Public Distribution System, you must provide the following documents:

• A duly filled and signed application form specific to the applicant’s state

• Documents such as the Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, or any other government-issued ID

• Utility bills, rental agreements, or domicile certificates confirming residency in the state

• A passport-sized photograph of the family’s head, as designated under the NFSA

• An income certificate may be required for categories like Priority Households (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

• Previous ration cards must be surrendered to avoid duplication

Some states may charge a nominal fee for processing ration card applications, while others offer it free of cost. You should check the fee structure on their respective state’s food and civil supplies portal.

The NFSA identifies eligible households to ensure food subsidies reach the most deserving sections of society. Households are categorised based on socio-economic conditions and official guidelines issued by the government. The eligibility coverage includes:

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households: This category includes the "poorest of the poor" from BPL families, entitled to 35 kg of food grains per family per month. 

• Priority Households (PHH): Families under this group receive 5 kg of food grains per person per month through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). 

• Price protection for food grains: Subsidised rates for food grains remain fixed for three years, after which authorities revise them in line with the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

• Food security allowance: In the event of insufficient foodgrain supply, beneficiaries receive a cash allowance to purchase essential food items.

• Coverage limits fixed by the Government: Based on the latest census data, the scheme covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.

The TPDS under the NFSA ensures that subsidised food grains are distributed to different categories of households based on their financial status. Each category is entitled to a specific quantity of food grains. Here are the details:

The TPDS provides subsidised food grains to different categories of families based on their income levels and living conditions. These families fall under three main groups:

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Beneficiaries

This category covers the poorest families, including small farmers, landless workers, slum dwellers, daily wage labourers, and other extremely poor households. They receive a special Food Security Ration Card that offers additional foodgrain benefits.

• Below Poverty Line (BPL) Households

Families living below the poverty line come under this group. They receive Food Security Ration Cards that enable them to purchase subsidised food grains from ration shops.

• Above Poverty Line (APL) Households

Families that are above the poverty line but still qualify for government food support can apply for APL Ration Cards. They receive food grains at a lower subsidy rate compared to AAY and BPL households.

The National Food Security Act provides specific entitlements and security allowances to ensure food access for eligible households. Here are the key provisions:

• Individual Entitlement 

Each eligible individual is entitled to receive 5 kg of food grains every month. This ensures that households have access to affordable and adequate food supplies.

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

AAY households, identified as the poorest of the poor, are entitled to 35 kg of food grains per

month. This provision ensures greater food support for the most vulnerable families.

• Subsidised Pricing

Food grains are available at subsidised rates of ₹3 per kg for rice, ₹2 per kg for wheat, and ₹1 per kg for coarse grains. These prices were originally set for three years, with any future changes determined by the Central Government.

• Food Security Allowance

In case of a food grain shortage, beneficiaries are provided with a food security allowance to maintain access to essential supplies. This allowance compensates for the deficit and is issued in a form decided by the government.

The National Food Security Act prioritises the well-being of women and children through specific provisions:

• Pregnant and Lactating Women:

They are entitled to free meals during pregnancy and up to six months after childbirth under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Additionally, they receive a maternity benefit of ₹6,000 to support their nutritional and health needs.

• Children Aged 6 Months to 6 Years:

Free meals are provided through the ICDS scheme to promote early childhood nutrition and development.

• Children Aged 6 to 14 Years:

They are entitled to free mid-day meals in government and government-aided schools, ensuring both nutrition and support for education.

The National Food Security Act includes provisions that promote the empowerment of women:

• The eldest woman in the household, aged 18 or above, is designated as the head for issuing ration cards under the Act

• If no female member meets this age criterion, the eldest male acts as the head until a female member reaches the age of 18

These measures aim to enhance women’s roles in household decision-making, ensuring their active participation in securing food entitlements.

The National Food Security Act of 2013 mandates that every state establish a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints related to the Act. These mechanisms may include helplines, call centres, and nodal officers to ensure effective resolution of issues, promoting accountability and transparency in delivering food entitlements.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) plays a crucial role in reducing hunger and ensuring food security for millions of households across India. It guarantees access to subsidised food grains for eligible families through a ration card, which also functions as a valid proof of identity and address.

Applying for a ration card in a timely manner enables families to claim their rightful benefits and enhance their financial and nutritional well-being. The Act reflects a nationwide commitment to prevent hunger and promote equal access to essential resources for every citizen.