With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidized food grains.
2. 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.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter

Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large section of the Indian population.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The NFSA covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). This coverage is not restricted to only Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Statement 2 is correct: The Act stipulates that the eldest woman of a household, aged 18 years or above, shall be considered the head of the household for the purpose of ration card issuance. This provision aims to empower women.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to take-home rations under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the prescribed nutritional norm is 600 calories and 18-20 grams of protein per day, not 1600 calories.

Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

Sources:

• Department of Food & Public Distribution - Salient Features of National Food Security Act
• Delhi Government - Nutrition