UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 10 July 2026

NFSA Latest News

• The Union Government has proposed amending the NFSA by changing the AAY foodgrain entitlement from the existing 35 kg per household per month to 7 kg per person per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household. 
• The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which argue that it will reduce foodgrain allocations for poor households with smaller family sizes, particularly in southern States.

National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013

• • Objective: It covers roughly two-thirds of India's population under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), guaranteeing food and nutritional security at affordable prices.
  • Coverage: Covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.
  • Categories of beneficiaries: Divided into Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) (poorest of the poor) and Priority Households (PHH).

• Monthly entitlements:

• • AAY households: 35 kg of food grains per family.
  • PHH beneficiaries: 5 kg per person.
• Subsidized prices: Central issue prices are highly subsidized (Rs 3/kg for rice, Rs 2/kg for wheat, and Rs 1/kg for coarse grains). 
• Women empowerment: The eldest woman of the household (18 years or older) is designated as the head of the family for the purpose of issuing ration cards.
• Nutritional support: The Act guarantees specific nutritional support for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
  • Maternity benefits: Pregnant and lactating women are entitled to a cash maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.
  • Children's meals: Age-appropriate meals are provided for children up to 6 years of age through Anganwadis, and free midday meals are provided to children aged 6 to 14 years in schools.
• Grievance redressal: States are required to set up State Food Commissions, District Grievance Redressal Officers (DGROs), and Vigilance Committees to ensure accountability.
• Transparency: Mandates public disclosure of PDS records and placing beneficiary lists in the public domain.

Proposed Amendment

• The amendment concerns Section 3(1) of the NFSA dealing with subsidised foodgrain entitlements for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.
• Current system: Every AAY household receives 35 kg of foodgrains per month, irrespective of family size.
• Proposed system: Every individual in an AAY household will receive 7 kg per month, with a ceiling of 35 kg per household. Public comments on the draft amendment have been invited.

Rationale Behind the Amendment

• The Union Food and Public Distribution Department argues that the present household-based system creates intra-category inequities.
• For example,
  • Small families receive a higher per capita entitlement.
  • Larger families receive less foodgrain per person, sometimes even below the entitlement available to Priority Household beneficiaries.
• Objectives: The proposed amendment will -
  • Ensure equitable per capita distribution.
  • Rationalise foodgrain allocation.
  • Better align foodgrain entitlement with nutritional requirements.
• Limitation: The proposal does not address the issue of ineligible beneficiaries continuing to receive benefits under the NFSA.

Reasons Behind Tamil Nadu and Kerala Opposing the Move

• Reduction in foodgrain allocation:
  • Both States have predominantly nuclear families, many with fewer than five members.
  • Under the proposed formula, such households would receive less than the present 35 kg, reducing their monthly foodgrain entitlement.
  • Kerala argues that AAY beneficiaries deserve special protection, as they represent the poorest households.
• Higher financial burden on poor families:
  • Tamil Nadu has highlighted that the AAY allocation could decline from 65,261 tonnes to 42,040 tonnes per month, as around 15.75 lakh of the State's 18.64 lakh AAY households have fewer than five members.
  • Beneficiaries would have to purchase additional rice from the market, increasing out-of-pocket expenditure.
• Fear of regional disparities:

• • Civil society groups, including the Right to Food Campaign, contend that Northern States with larger average family sizes would receive relatively higher allocations.
  • While the Southern States with smaller household sizes could lose a significant share of foodgrain, creating a perceived North-South imbalance.

Historical Context - Politics of Food

• Kerala:
  • Possesses one of India's oldest Public Distribution Systems (PDS), with organised food distribution beginning in 1962, even before the establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
  • Initially resisted the NFSA in 2013, fearing exclusion of poor families and additional financial burden.
• Tamil Nadu:
  • Food security has long influenced State politics, particularly after rice shortages contributed to political upheavals in 1952 and 1967.
  • Since 2011, the State has implemented universal free rice distribution through the PDS.
  • During the enactment of the NFSA, Tamil Nadu secured a safeguard ensuring that its existing foodgrain allocation would not be reduced.

Issues Involved and Way Forward

• Issues:
  • Equity vs. social protection: While the amendment promotes per capita fairness, it may reduce protection available to vulnerable small households.
  • Federal concerns: States argue that uniform national criteria overlook regional demographic differences.
  • Food security: Reduced allocations could adversely affect nutrition and household food security among the poorest families.
  • Fiscal considerations: The proposal may lower the Union government's food subsidy burden but could shift costs to beneficiaries.
• Way forward:

• • Wider consultation: With States, experts, and civil society is essential before finalising the amendment.
  • A balanced alternative: A uniform allocation of 30 kg per household, irrespective of family size. This could moderate subsidy costs while ensuring minimum food security for all AAY families.
  • Balance: Equity, nutritional security, fiscal sustainability, and cooperative federalism, ensuring that vulnerable households are not disadvantaged due to demographic differences across States.

Source: TH