Indian Government has adopted which three food based safety nets for solution of quantitative and qualitative aspects of Food Security ?

i. Public Distribution System

ii. Food Corporation of India

iii. Integrated Child Development Services

iv. Mid-day Meals Programme

The correct answer is (i), (iii) and (iv).

Key Points

• The Indian Government has adopted three key food-based safety nets to address both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of food security.
• Public Distribution System (PDS): It ensures the distribution of essential food commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar to eligible households at subsidized prices through Fair Price Shops.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI): Established in 1965, it is responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing food grains to maintain buffer stocks and ensure price stability.
• Mid-Day Meals Programme: This scheme provides free lunches to school children in government and government-aided schools, aiming to improve nutrition and boost school enrollment and attendance.
• These initiatives collectively address hunger, malnutrition, and the overall welfare of vulnerable sections of society in India.

Additional Information

• Public Distribution System (PDS):
  • It is implemented under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
  • Targeted beneficiaries under the PDS include Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PH).
  • The system is crucial for ensuring food access for economically weaker sections.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI):
  • It maintains buffer stocks of food grains for emergencies and ensures the availability of food throughout the country.
  • FCI plays a critical role in implementing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system to safeguard farmers' interests.
• Mid-Day Meals Programme:
  • Launched in 1995 under the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE).
  • It aims to improve nutritional levels among children and encourage school participation.
  • The scheme also supports employment for women through the preparation of meals.
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):
  • This scheme provides food, preschool education, and primary healthcare to children under 6 years of age and their mothers.
  • It is not directly related to the quantitative aspect of food security but focuses on nutritional and health support.