Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, up to seventy-five per cent of the rural population and up to fifty per cent of the urban population are entitled to receive subsidized food grains.

Statement II: The right to food for the poor is derived from the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Question

Question

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 1.

In News

The Supreme Court of India recently questioned the high levels of poverty despite claims of economic growth and per capita income.
The court reaffirmed that the right to food is a fundamental aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Key Points

As per Section 3(2) of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population are entitled to receive subsidized food grains through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
- The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), a scheme under NFSA, provides 35 kg of food grains per household per month at subsidized rates.
  - Hence, Statement I is correct.
The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the right to food as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life).
- Ensuring food security for the poor is a constitutional obligation of the State.
- The NFSA was enacted to protect this right, making it legally enforceable for beneficiaries.
- Since the NFSA directly implements this right, Statement II explains Statement I.
  - Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.

Additional Information

Government Schemes Supporting Food Security:
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides free meals to school children to combat malnutrition.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Offers food, healthcare, and nutrition to women and children.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Provides free ration to NFSA beneficiaries.
Recent Supreme Court Observations:
- The court raised concerns about political influence in the distribution of ration cards.
- It emphasized the importance of preventing corruption in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- It reaffirmed that hunger and malnutrition must be addressed as part of the right to life.