Proposed Food Security Act amendments could harm the poorest, increasing food insecurity
Proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) could significantly harm the poorest households by reducing their entitlements and increasing food insecurity. The article highlights that the current eligibility criteria, based on the 2011 Census, already exclude many vulnerable families. Further amendments, such as linking entitlements to per capita consumption or reducing the number of beneficiaries, would exacerbate hunger and malnutrition, especially among women and children. Critics argue that the government should expand, not contract, food security provisions, given persistent poverty and the need for a robust social safety net. The proposed changes are seen as a move away from universal food security.
Key Points
- Proposed amendments to the NFSA threaten to reduce food entitlements and increase food insecurity for the poorest.
- Current eligibility criteria, based on the 2011 Census, already exclude many vulnerable households.
- Linking entitlements to per capita consumption or reducing beneficiary numbers would worsen hunger and malnutrition.
- Critics advocate for expanding food security provisions to strengthen the social safety net, rather than contracting them.
Exam Facts
- The article discusses the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- Eligibility criteria are currently based on the 2011 Census.
- Jean Dreze and Mohammad Sajjad are mentioned as authors of the analysis.
- The proposed amendment could reduce per capita consumption to 1kg per person per month.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.