Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (UPSC 2013, 10 Marks, )

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The Food Security Bill in India aims to eliminate hunger and malnutrition by providing subsidized food grains to a large section of the population. However, there are various apprehensions regarding its effective implementation and concerns it has generated in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Food Security Bill: Elimination of Hunger and Malnutrition in India

1. Objective and Scope

•   The primary goal of the Food Security Bill, also known as the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India's population, ensuring access to adequate food at affordable prices.

•   The Act covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, thus targeting the most vulnerable sections of society.

2. Key Provisions

•   Subsidized Food Grains: Each person in eligible households is entitled to receive 5 kg of food grains per month at highly subsidized prices (rice at Rs. 3/kg, wheat at Rs. 2/kg, and coarse grains at Rs. 1/kg).

•   Nutritional Support: Special focus on pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children by providing nutritional support and meal schemes.

•   Grievance Redressal: Establishment of State Food Commissions and District Grievance Redressal Officers to address any grievances related to the distribution of food grains.

Apprehensions in Effective Implementation of food Security Bill

1. Identification of Beneficiaries

•   Inaccurate Identification: Challenges in accurately identifying eligible households due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and outdated data.

•   Exclusion Errors: Risk of genuinely needy households being excluded from the scheme.

2. Supply Chain Management

•   Leakages and Corruption: High risk of leakages and corruption in the public distribution system (PDS), leading to the diversion of food grains.

•   Storage and Transportation: Inadequate infrastructure for the storage and transportation of food grains can lead to wastage and spoilage.

3. Financial Sustainability

•   Fiscal Burden: The financial burden on the government to maintain subsidies and the overall cost of the scheme is substantial.

•   Budget Allocation: Ensuring consistent budget allocation amidst competing priorities poses a challenge.

Concerns Raised in the WTO

1. Compliance with WTO Rules

•   Subsidy Limits: The NFSA's provision of food subsidies might conflict with WTO rules on domestic support, which limit the extent of subsidies that member countries can provide.

•   Trade Distortion: Concerns that large-scale food subsidies could distort trade by affecting international prices and competitiveness.

2. Potential Disputes

•   International Criticism: Other WTO member countries have raised concerns about India potentially breaching its subsidy limits, leading to the possibility of disputes.

•   Negotiations and Exemptions: India needs to negotiate for exemptions or special provisions under the WTO to continue implementing the NFSA without violating international trade rules.

While the Food Security Bill in India has the noble aim of eliminating hunger and malnutrition, there are various apprehensions regarding its effective implementation and concerns it has generated in the WTO. It is important for the government to address these issues to ensure the success of the Bill in achieving its objectives.