INDIA’S NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT: IMPLICATIONS ON INDIAN AGRICULTURE

In pursuance of the obligations under Indian constitution and International conventions, providing food security to all citizens has been the focus of the Government's planning and policy. National Food Security Act (NFS Act) is the latest initiative of Indian Government to achieve the food security through right based legislation. The ambitious programme of the Government, offers several opportunities like right based approach to give food to all its subjects, life based approach, women empowerment reforms in public distribution, revitalisation of agriculture etc. However, the Act throws many challenges like the huge financial implications like domestic subsidy on food, transparency in procurement and distribution of food, mitigating corruption, reaching the intended beneficiaries, impact of the Act on inflation and other macroeconomic indicators etc and hence raises many questions over its successful implementation in India.