Major highlights of the proposed Food Security Bill

Some of the major highlights of the proposed Food Security Bill are:

§ Up to 75% of the rural population (with at least 46% from priority category) and up to 50% of urban population (with at least 28% from priority category) are to be covered under Targeted Public Distribution System.

§ 7 kg of food-grains per person per month to be given to priority category households which include rice, wheat and coarse grains at Rs. 3, 2, and 1 per kg, respectively.

§ At least 3 kg of food-grains per person per month to be given to general category households, at prices not exceeding 50% of Minimum Support Price.

§ Women to be made head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration cards.

§ Maternity benefit to pregnant women and lactating mothers.

§ End-to-end computerisation of Targeted Public Distribution System.

§ Three-tier independent grievance redressal mechanism.

§ Social audit by local bodies such as Gram Panchayats, Village Councils etc.

§ Meals for special groups such as destitute, homeless persons, emergency/disaster affected persons and persons on the verge of starvation.

§ Food Security Allowance in case of non-supply of food-grains or meals.