Major Highlights of The Food Security Bill : National Food Security Bill Marks a Paradigm Shift to Ensure Food for All

Some of the major highlights of the Food Security Bill are:

• Up to 75% of the rural population (with at least 46% from priority category) and up to 50% of urban population (with at least 28% from priority category) are to be covered under Targeted Public Distribution System.
• 7 kg of food-grains per person per month to be given to priority category households which include rice, wheat and coarse grains at Rs. 3, 2, and 1 per kg, respectively.
• At least 3 kg of food-grains per person per month to be given to general category households, at prices not exceeding 50% of Minimum Support Price.
• Women to be made head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration       cards.
• Maternity benefit to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• End-to-end computerisation of Targeted Public Distribution System.
• Three-tier independent grievance redressal mechanism.
• Social audit by local bodies such as Gram Panchayats, Village Councils etc.
• Meals for special groups such as destitute, homeless persons, emergency/disaster affected persons and persons on the verge of starvation.
• Food Security Allowance in case of non-supply of food-grains or meals.

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