National Food Security Bill - 2011

The National Food Security Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 22 December 2011. As per the provisions of the Bill, 

• it is proposed to provide 7 kg. of foodgrains per person per month belonging to priority households at prices not exceeding Rs 3 per kg of rice, Rs 2 per kg of wheat, and Rs 1 per kg of coarse grains and 
• to general households not less than 3 kg of foodgrains per person per month at prices not exceeding 50 per cent of the MSP for wheat and coarse grains and derived MSP for rice. 

It will benefit up to 75 per cent of rural population (with at least 46 per cent belonging to priority households) and up to 50 per cent of urban population (with at least 28 per cent belonging to priority households), besides providing nutritional support to women and children and meals to special groups such as destitute and homeless, emergency and disaster affected, and persons living in starvation. 

Pregnant and lactating women will also be entitled to maternity benefit of Rs 1,000/per month for six months. In case of non-supply of foodgrains or meals, entitled persons will be provided food security allowance by the concerned state/UT governments. 

Provisions for reforms in the TPDS such as doorstep delivery of foodgrains , application of information and communication technology (ICT) including end to end computerization, leveraging ‘aadhaar’ for unique identification of beneficiaries have also been made in the Bill. Provisions have also been made for transparency and accountability including disclosure of records relating to the PDS, social audits, and setting up of vigilance committees besides an elaborate grievance redressal mechanism.

Source: Economic survey