Over 72 crore beneficiaries getting subsidised foodgrains under National Food Security Act

Presently as on April 2016, 33 States/UTs are implementing NFSA and subsidised foodgrains are being provided to 72.45 crore beneficiaries (approx. 14.8 crore households). This is a big change from only 11 States/UTs, which  started implementation of NFSA by March 2014. The remaining States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland are also in an advanced stage of preparation. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are presently in election mode and a decision to implement NFSA will be possible only after the elections are over; the State of Nagaland is expected to start implementation of NFSA from July 2016.

Transparency and Computerisation

Introducing Transparency/Computerisation in PDS operations is key to NFSA implementation. Progress in these areas is summarized below.

Storage capacity

The total storage capacity available with FCI & State agencies as on 01.04.2016 is 814.84 Lakh MT (FCI – 357.89 LMT & State agencies – 456.95 LMT), which is sufficient as compared to the peak requirement during procurement season is around 600 Lakh MT.

For augmentation of covered storage capacity in the country, new godown capacity of 133.47 LMT has been created in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode under Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) scheme at various locations in 20 States.

In addition, new godowns are being constructed using Plan funds with focus on the North Eastern states. During the current 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), a capacity of 1,33,700 MT has been added.

The Government has also approved a road map of Food Corporation of India (FCI) for construction of modern storage facilities in the form of Steel Silos over the next four years in PPP mode. Letter of Award has been issued for total 2.5 LMT capacity silos in 6 locations recently. Silos of capacity 4.5 LMT have been created through States.