JHARKHAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (JPSC)

📅 Category: Social Justice | Welfare Schemes | Food Security | Nutrition

📌 Keywords

• National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
• Public Distribution System (PDS)
• Food Corporation of India (FCI)
• Food Subsidy
• Nutrition Security
• Hidden Hunger
• POSHAN Abhiyaan
• PMGKAY
• SOFI Report

🎯 Why is this Important?

India has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty and improving access to food. However, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to remain major public health challenges. The current policy debate is gradually shifting from ensuring food security (availability of calories) to nutrition security (availability of a balanced and healthy diet).

Background

1. What is the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013?

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 provides eligible households with a legal entitlement to receive subsidized food grains.

Key Features

2. What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is India’s food distribution network through which subsidized food grains are supplied to eligible beneficiaries via Fair Price Shops (FPSs).

Objectives

• Ensure food security
• Protect vulnerable households
• Stabilize food prices
• Reduce hunger and poverty

India operates one of the largest food-based social protection systems in the world.

3. What is PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?

PMGKAY was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide free food grains to NFSA beneficiaries.

Purpose

• Provide additional food support during economic distress.
• Strengthen household food security.

The scheme has since become an important component of India’s food security framework.

4. What is the Food Corporation of India (FCI)?

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency responsible for:

• Procurement of food grains at Minimum Support Price (MSP)
• Storage of food grains
• Transportation
• Allocation of food grains under PDS

FCI plays a central role in maintaining India’s food security system.

5. What is Hidden Hunger?

Hidden hunger refers to deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, even when a person consumes sufficient calories.

Common Deficiencies

• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• Iodine
• Protein

Consequences

• Anaemia
• Stunting
• Wasting
• Poor cognitive development
• Reduced productivity

6. What is the SOFI Report?

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) is an annual global assessment of hunger and nutrition.

It is jointly prepared by:

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• UNICEF
• World Food Programme (WFP)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

The report tracks:

• Hunger
• Food insecurity
• Affordability of healthy diets
• Malnutrition trends

Recent Developments

Improved Affordability of Healthy Diets

Recent estimates indicate that the proportion of Indians unable to afford a healthy diet has declined significantly over the past decade.

This reflects:

• Rising household incomes
• Economic growth
• Improved purchasing power

However, a substantial section of the population still struggles to access nutritious food.

Changing Poverty Profile

India’s poverty levels have declined considerably over the years.

However, PDS coverage continues to be based largely on older population estimates, leading to growing discussions on whether the existing beneficiary base accurately reflects present-day socio-economic conditions.

Food Security vs Nutrition Security

Although access to cereals has improved substantially, nutritional outcomes have improved at a slower pace.

This is because:

• Rice and wheat primarily provide calories.
• Balanced nutrition also requires:
  • Pulses
  • Proteins
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Edible oils
  • Micronutrients

The debate has therefore shifted from “feeding the population” to “ensuring a healthy and balanced diet.”

Rising Food Subsidy Burden

India’s food subsidy expenditure has increased significantly in recent years due to:

• Higher procurement costs
• Storage and transportation expenses
• Expansion of welfare programmes

This has intensified discussions on improving the efficiency and sustainability of food subsidy programmes.

Suggested Policy Reforms

Improve Targeting

• Periodically update beneficiary databases.
• Use dynamic socio-economic indicators.
• Reduce inclusion and exclusion errors.

Diversify the Food Basket

Move beyond cereals by including:

• Pulses
• Fortified food grains
• Millets
• Edible oils
• Protein-rich foods

Focus on Nutrition

Strengthen convergence with:

• POSHAN Abhiyaan
• Mission Poshan 2.0
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat
• PM-POSHAN Scheme

Improve Fiscal Efficiency

Savings generated through better targeting can be redirected towards:

• Child nutrition
• Maternal health
• Micronutrient supplementation
• Nutrition awareness programmes

Why is this Debate Important?

India’s welfare system is entering a new phase.

The policy focus is gradually shifting:

At a Glance

Prelims Quick Facts

✔ NFSA was enacted in 2013.

✔ PDS operates through Fair Price Shops (FPSs).

✔ FCI is responsible for procurement, storage and distribution of food grains.

✔ Hidden hunger refers to micronutrient deficiency, not merely calorie deficiency.

✔ SOFI is jointly published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO.

Mains Value Addition

Possible Question

“Discuss why India’s Public Distribution System should evolve from a food security programme to a nutrition security programme. Suggest reforms.”

Keywords for Answer Writing

• Food Security
• Nutrition Security
• Hidden Hunger
• Human Capital
• Targeted Subsidy
• Fiscal Sustainability
• Food Subsidy
• Public Distribution System
• POSHAN Abhiyaan
• Inclusive Growth

💡 Conclusion

India has largely succeeded in improving access to food grains through the Public Distribution System. The next stage of welfare reforms lies in ensuring that every household has access not only to adequate calories but also to a safe, diverse and nutritious diet. Reorienting the PDS towards nutrition security can simultaneously improve public health, strengthen human capital, and make welfare spending more effective and sustainable.