Under which scheme did the Prime Minister distribute food security benefits to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries during the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Program?

The correct answer is National Food Security Act.

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat.
• As part of the program, benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) were distributed to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.

Key Points

• The Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign aims to ensure that no eligible person is left out of food security benefits.
• The campaign identified over 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries, including elderly individuals, widows, and differently-abled people.
• The National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensures subsidized food grains for eligible households.
• The campaign aligns with the government's vision of eliminating malnutrition and food insecurity across India.

Additional Information

• National Food Security Act (NFSA):
  • Enacted in 2013 to provide subsidized food grains to approximately 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population.
  • Eligible families receive rice at ₹3/kg, wheat at ₹2/kg, and coarse grains at ₹1/kg.
  • Implemented through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY):
  • Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide free food grains to the poor.
  • Extended multiple times to ensure food security during crises.
• PM Poshan Scheme:
  • Formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
  • Aims to provide nutritious meals to school children.
• Saksham Anganwadi Program:
  • Focuses on improving the nutritional status of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
  • Works under the umbrella of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).