Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Over 2 cr beneficiaries covered under NFSA in Chhattisgarh

August 6, 2021
Food shortage

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti informed that nearly 2.01 crore beneficiaries including 7.19 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households have been benefitted in Chhattisgarh under the NFSA. Presently, a total of about 79.51 crore beneficiaries are covered in the country for receiving the monthly benefits of subsidized foodgrains under the NFSA. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, only foodgrains namely rice, wheat and coarse grains are allocated to all states/UTs including Chhattisgarh for distribution to NFSA beneficiaries, through the targeted public distribution system (TPDS).

Under the NFSA, rice, wheat, and coarse grains are distributed to eligible beneficiaries/ households at central issue price (CIP) of Rs. 3, 2, and 1 per kg respectively in all states/UTs. However, Chhattisgarh state as per their local requirements is only distributing rice to its beneficiaries.

As per provisions of the Food Security (assistance to state government) Rules, 2015, the rate of fair price shop dealers margin is Rs.70 per quintal for 23 general category states and Rs.143 per quintal for 13 special category states. In addition to this, an additional dealers margin of Rs.17 per quintal is provided to all states/UTs for the distribution of foodgrains through ePoS devices. These FPS dealers margin and additional dealers margin for e-PoS devices are shared between central and state/UT government on a 50:50 basis with general category states and a 75:25 basis with special category states/UTs. The responsibility for payment of margin to fair price shop dealers rests with the concerned state government.