Food security in India
Food security requires providing an adequate food supply for individuals, particularly those who are malnourished. In India, food security has long been a key concern. According to UN-India, India has about 195 million malnourished individuals, accounting for a quarter of the global hunger problem.
In addition, nearly 43% of Indian children are chronically malnourished. In terms of the Food Security Index 2020, India is ranked 71st out of 113 large countries. Even if the present nutritional standard meets 100 percent of the requirements, India is 20 percent behind in terms of quality protein intake, which must be addressed by making protein-rich food products such as soybeans, lentils, cheese, and other dairy products available at affordable costs.
Laws
The National Food Security Act, 2013, was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2013 to ensure that every citizen of the country has the right to food. This Act, also known as the Right to Food Act, aims to give subsidized food grains to almost two-thirds of India's 1.33 billion people. It was signed into law on September 10, 2013, with effect from July 5, 2013.
Government schemes
Initiatives at the Center
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was founded in 1965 to handle food grain acquisition, storage, and distribution. It has played a significant role in India's food security.
The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA 2013) converts the existing government of India's food security programs into legal entitlements. The Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services, and the Public Distribution System are also included.
Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, about Rs 1500 billion (7.6% of the government's total spending) was earmarked to give food subsidies in 2017-18. (TPDS).
The NFSA 2013 acknowledges maternity benefits as well. Daily free cereals are available to pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, and specific groups of youngsters.
Initiatives by the State
Karnataka has developed the 'Indira Canteen,' which offers inexpensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah initiated this plan to ensure that no one in the state goes hungry and that everyone has access to nutritious food.
Andhra Pradesh has backed the Nalabothu Foundation, which distributes surplus food from households, restaurants, businesses, canteens, and gatherings to individuals in need. Prime Minister Modi brought this program to the attention of the entire country.
'Amma Unavagam' (Mother's canteen), also known as Amma canteen, has opened in Tamil Nadu. The Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute proposed a concept in 2012 that gave birth to this program.
In 2013, the state of UP approved a food bill. Food that would otherwise be thrown away at celebrations will be preserved and handed to the poor and needy. [requires citation]
The Chhattisgarh government passed the Chhattisgarh Food Security Act in 2012.
It was passed by the State Assembly without opposition on December 21, 2012, to ensure "access to enough quantities of food and other requirements of good nutrition to the people of the State, at accessible rates, at all times to live a life of dignity."
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