Question

Write down the steps that can be taken by the Central government of India to ensure and tackle food security in India during this pandemic situation.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

1.     Social protection measures

• Kerala, one of the first hit states in India by the COVID-19 outbreak was successful in setting an example for the rest of the country. Kerala’s Chief Minister took immediate actions to reduce the risk of hunger and starvation of the poorest population. The major actions are as follows:

•  The government announced free ration for all for one month, meaning that the government will provide 35 kg rice for below poverty line families[2] which constitutes 11.3 per cent of the total population in the state, and 15 kg of rice for others through the Public Distribution systems (PDS) and Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (SUPPLYCO).

• The government of Kerala has gone an extra mile by initiating the distribution of food kits consisting of 17 items as listed in Table 1 worth INR 1000 (USD 13), starting on 8 April for every household, irrespective of income status. It is distributed through the ration shops under the Public Distribution System. These food commodities are sourced from the suppliers registered under Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation and National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India. This project was funded by the Kerala Chief Minister Distress Relief Fund and has allotted about USD 45 million for this purpose. This scheme was implemented for the first month of the pandemic and the officials are planning to continue the scheme according to the severity of the situation thereafter.
• ·       One measure was to protect food security in the state was setting up of community kitchens all over the state. It was the first-ever move to provide cooked food for the needy. District administrators were given the duty to monitor the food assistance program whereas the local representatives took responsibility in distribution and logistics.
•   To ensure nutritious meals for children under the age of 6, the government has instructed Anganwadi centres in the state to deliver free mid-day meals to the children registered under the Integrated Child Development Services[4](ICDS). As per the orders from the Women and Child Development Department of the state, the Anganwadi teachers are delivering raw materials on a weekly basis to the families