Distribution of fortified rice

[GS Paper 2 – Govt. Policies and Interventions, GS Paper 1 – Poverty and Hunger]

Context – CCEA Approves distribution of fortified rice to tackle malnutrition

The center announced that it will supply fortified rice through government schemes such as PDS, PM-POSHAN, ICDS, and Other Welfare Schemes.

Key Developments

• This Distribution will be carried out in three phases by 2024. It is set to  cost the central exchequer Rs.2700 crore per annum and will be borne by the central government as part of a food subsidy.

• This was decided at the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister.

• The first phase was initiated in October 2021 and about 17 lakh tonnes of fortified rice was lifted. It was initiated under the budgetary provision of the Woman and Child Development Ministry.

• The second phase will cover the targeted public distribution system and other welfare schemes in all aspirational and high burden districts on stunting by March 2023.

• The remaining districts will be covered in the final phase.

About PDS (Public Distribution System)

• It is a food security system in India that ensures nutritional security which was established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.

• It exists as an institution that manages food scarcity through the distribution of food grains at affordable prices.

• It is operated under the cooperation of the Central and State governments Commodities under PDS include – Wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene.

• It maintains the buffer stock of food grains.

 About PM-POSHAN

• The scheme replaced the Mid-day meal scheme and is launched for an initial period of Five Years (2021-22 to 2025-26).

• The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman in September 2021, for providing one hot cooked meal in government schools with the financial outlay of Rs. 1.31 trillion.

• It covers the following:

1. Students of balvatikas (3-5 years age group).
2. Primary school Children (1-5 years)
3. Upper Primary children (6-8 years)

About ICDS

• The Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) Scheme was launched in 1975. It is a centrally sponsored scheme.

• It provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, and pre-school education to the children is a popular flagship program of the government.

• The scheme has been renamed as Anganwadi Services

Download as PDF