With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
- The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
- The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 only
- 1 and 3
- 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- Identification of beneficiaries/households under NFSA is done by the respective State/UT Government, which is required to frame its own criteria. The act provides coverage to up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidised food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System. Overall, about two-thirds of the country’s population (around 81 crore people) is covered. Therefore, families below the poverty line (BPL) are not the only beneficiaries of subsidised food grains.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, the eldest woman aged 18 years or above in the household is designated as the head of the household for the purpose of issuing the ration card.
Statement 3 is incorrect
- Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious take-home ration of at least 600 calories, along with a maternity benefit of not less than ₹6,000.
