Now with 33 of 36 states/UTs implementing NFSA by April 1,2016 and providing subsidised food grains to 72.45 crore beneficiaries (approximately 14.8 crore households), the remaining states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland are expected to roll out National Food Security Act (NFSA) by next month. Ram Vilas Paswan Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister has said that the NFSA will be implemented in the remaining states by July to bring the whole country under its ambit.
The minister said that the government is working for uplifting and empowering the weaker sections of the society especially women and is providing financial support to them to improve their living. He pointed that essential commodities like rice and wheat has been made available for them at cheaper rates and Wheat for Rs 2 per kg and rice Rs 3 per kg is being given to poor people.
The NFSA Act, 2013 also known as ‘Right to Food Act’ aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of India's 1.2 billion people. It converted into legal entitlements in 2013 for existing food security programmers and includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and the Public Distribution System and recognizes maternity entitlements.