The National Food Security Act implemented in 33 States/UTs
The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) is already being implemented in 33 States/UTs. Out of the remaining three States, Tamil Nadu had, in September, 2015, requested to extend the process of implementation of NFSA in the State by at least one year. The Government of Kerala has informed that the State Government will be able to implement NFSA only after conclusion of the ongoing State Assembly Election process. Government of Nagaland has indicated implementation of the Act from June-July, 2016. These remaining States are required to implement the Act at the earliest. This information was given by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
The Minister said that the State Government of Tamil Nadu had requested for a provision to assure that the existing allocation of foodgrains is not reduced. The Act already provides that if annual allocation of foodgrains to any State, on the basis of coverage for the State and foodgrains entitlement under the Act, is less than the average annual offtake of foodgrains during 2010-11 to 2012-13, under normal Targeted Public Distribution System, the same shall be protected at prices as determined by the Central Government.
The Minister said that the State Government of Tamil Nadu had requested for a provision to assure that the existing allocation of foodgrains is not reduced. The Act already provides that if annual allocation of foodgrains to any State, on the basis of coverage for the State and foodgrains entitlement under the Act, is less than the average annual offtake of foodgrains during 2010-11 to 2012-13, under normal Targeted Public Distribution System, the same shall be protected at prices as determined by the Central Government.