3.4.1. Key Features of the Act

1. It entitles 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population (67% of the population i.e. 80 crore people) for subsidized grain under TPDS.

2. The act provides ‘individual entitlement’ and each individual will be provided 5 kg of wheat, rice or coarse cereals a month at the rate of Rs 3, Rs 2, and Re 1 per kg respectively. These Prices may be changed by the Central Government from time to time, but after 3 years of the act only and not above the MSP.

3. 2.43 crore people under AAY will get 35 kg food grain per household per month, like earlier.

4. State Governments have been given responsibilities to identify the households within 365 days of the passage of the act.

5. For children below 6 months, exclusive breast feeding is to be promoted. For children between 6 month to 6 years, age-appropriate free meals will be provided by the Aanganwadi Centres. For children between 6-14 years of age (unto Class VIII) will be given Mid Day Meal at public schools.

6. Every pregnant and lactating mother will get free meal at local aanganwadi (till 6 months of delivery) and a maternity benefit of Rs 6000 in instalments.

7. A State Food Commission will be set with a chairperson, five members and 1 secretary (including at least 2 women, and 1 member each from the SC and ST community)

8. If concerned state government is not able to provide the food grain, then equivalent food security allowance has to be provided.

9. Act includes three schedules:

a. Schedule 1 prescribes issue prices for the PDS.

b. Schedule 2 prescribes nutritional standards for MDM, take home rations and related entitlements.

c. Schedule 3 lists various provisions to advance food security under 3 broad headings:

● revitalisation of agriculture (land reform, R&D, etc.)

● procurement, storage and movement of food grains, and

● other provisions (safe drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, adequate pensions for vulnerable, etc.)