National Food Security Act (NFSA),

19.11.2025

National Food Security Act (NFSA),

Context

The NFSA, 2013, provides subsidized food grains to ensure nutritional security for 81 crore people. Recent events, like Assam’s ASF-related pig movement ban, highlight the need for digital monitoring in public welfare schemes.

About the NFSA

Coverage

• Benefits 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.
   
• Annual subsidy expenditure: ~₹2 lakh crore.
   

Main Components

• PHH: 5 kg grain per person per month.
   
• AAY: 35 kg per month for the poorest (20 kg wheat, 15 kg rice).
   
• PMGKAY (since 2023): Extra 5 kg free grain per person monthly.
   

Removal of Beneficiaries

Reason for Removal

• ~2.25 crore individuals removed after audits showed non-poor persons receiving benefits (vehicle owners, high-income professionals).
   

Methodology

• Digital data sources: income, vehicle ownership, company records, Aadhaar.
   
• States verify on the ground before removal.
   

Significance

• Ensures resources reach genuinely needy.
   
• Saves public funds and improves PDS transparency.
   
• Savings can support nutrition programs and diversified aid.
   

Challenges

• Risk of wrongful deletions if documentation is missing.
   
• Outdated/inaccurate data may cause exclusion errors.
   

AI Integration in the Public Distribution System (PDS)

PDS Challenges

• Leakages, slow logistics, manual records, diversion of grains, and limited grievance redress.
   
• AI enables real-time monitoring, tracking, and accountability.
   

Key AI Platforms

AASHA (Ann Sahayta Holistic AI Solution):

• Collects beneficiary feedback, monitors ration delivery and quality.
   
• Reaches ~20 lakh beneficiaries monthly, linked to PM Gati Shakti.
   

Bhandaran 360:

• ERP system by Central Warehousing Corporation.
   
• Manages HR, finance, storage, and project monitoring for transparency.
   

Annadarpan:

• Microservice platform replacing Depot Online System.
   
• Centralizes procurement, storage, pricing, movement, and contracts, integrating FCI and DFDP data.
   

Conclusion

NFSA, strengthened by beneficiary audits and AI tools, ensures subsidized grains reach the needy, reduces wastage, and enhances transparency. Platforms like AASHA, Bhandaran 360, and Annadarpan are vital for modernizing India’s PDS.