Audit on the Preparedness for Implementation of National Food Security Act, 2013 for the year ended March, 2015
Attaining food security is a matter of prime importance for India where more than a third of the population is estimated to be poor. Government of India has been distributing foodgrains through the Public Distribution System, in one name or the other, for the last seven decades. National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) was enacted on September 10, 2013 by the Parliament with the objective of providing adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity. The mission of making India food secure has now been changed from an entitlement-based to a right-based approach by giving it a legal mandate. The Report brings out that preparedness for implementation of NFSA was deficient in several states even after two years of its enactment. Since distribution of foodgrains through NFSA is an important social security programme of the Government, more systematic approach is needed to bring in structural changes and efficient delivery of foodgrains.