Food Security and the PDS in India
The National Food Security Act, 2013
The Act made subsidised grain a legal right for up to two-thirds of the population.
Food became a legal entitlement.
Coverage
Up to 75 per cent of rural and 50 per cent of urban people are covered, around 80 crore in all.
Entitlement
Priority households get 5 kg of grain per person per month; the poorest Antyodaya households get 35 kg per household.
Prices
Originally set at ₹3, ₹2 and ₹1 a kg for rice, wheat and coarse grain, and since 2023 grain has been provided free under the scheme.
Other rights
The Act also covers meals for children, pregnant and nursing women.
A monthly quota
A four-member priority household receives 20 kg of grain a month.
Assuming everyone is covered
Coverage is capped by population shares.
Key takeaways
- NFSA covers about two-thirds of Indians.
- It gives 5 kg per person per month.
- The poorest get more.
- Free grain has been provided since 2023.
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