Continued reliance on 2011 Census data may lead to exclusion of beneficiaries: Panel, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• A Parliamentary Committee has urged the government to update the National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiary database.
• The committee highlights that using the 2011 Census data may exclude eligible households.
• Currently, 80.56 crore beneficiaries are covered under NFSA, against the intended 81.35 crore.
• The committee recommends identifying the remaining 0.79 crore eligible persons.
• The report was presented in the Lok Sabha by the Standing Committee on Consumer, Food and Public Distribution.
• The Committee is headed by DMK member Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.

Detailed Insights:

• The NFSA 2013 aims to cover up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.
• Population growth, migration, and socio-economic changes since 2011 may lead to exclusion of vulnerable households.
• The committee suggests periodic revision of coverage limits based on updated population estimates in coordination with State/UT governments.
• Failure to update the beneficiary database could undermine the effectiveness of the NFSA in addressing food security.
• Updating the database requires a comprehensive and time-bound approach to ensure no eligible person is left out.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Food Security Act (NFSA): An Indian law that aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large section of the population.
• Beneficiary Database: A record of individuals and households eligible to receive benefits under a specific program.
• Census: A periodic enumeration of the population, collecting data on demographics, socio-economic status, and other characteristics.