Question

What has our government done to provide food security to the poor? Discuss any two schemes launched by the government?

Answer 1

Our government has undertaken a number of measures to provide food security to the poor. A brief account of these measures is given below :

- Maintenance of Buffer Stock : Our government maintains buffer stock of food grains through Food Corporation of India.

- Public Distribution System : The food procured by the FCI is distributed among the poor through ration shops. Presently, there are 4.6 lakh ration shops int the country.

- Nutritional Programmes : In order to provide national security, our government has launched various schemes. In 2000 two special schemes were launched one Antyodaya Anna Yojana and second Annapurna Schemes.

The former relate to the poorest of the poor, while the latter targets senior citizens. Under AAY scheme 35 kilograms food grains are made available t to each eligible family at the rate Rs 2 per kg of wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice. Under APS 10 kilograms of food grain is made available to the eligible persons free of cost.