Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.

Context

The National Food Security Act, 2013 created a rights-based framework promising subsidised foodgrains to about two-thirds of the population through the Public Distribution System, aiming to combat hunger and malnutrition. Its success, however, depends on implementation and on reconciling it with global trade rules.

Apprehensions in effective implementation

• PDS leakages: diversion, ghost beneficiaries and corruption dilute coverage.
• Identification errors: exclusion of the genuinely poor and inclusion of the ineligible.
• Fiscal and procurement burden: a large food-subsidy bill and pressure to procure more grain.
• Storage and logistics: inadequate warehousing causes wastage.
• Nutrition gap: a cereal-centric basket does little for protein and micronutrient deficiency.

Concerns at the WTO

• Public stockholding at Minimum Support Price and food subsidies may breach the Agreement on Agriculture's 10% de minimis cap on trade-distorting (Amber Box) support.
• India secured a 'Peace Clause' at the Bali Ministerial (2013) shielding such programmes from challenge until a permanent solution is agreed, which remains pending.

Way forward

End-to-end computerisation, Aadhaar-enabled and DBT options, better storage, dietary diversification, and a permanent WTO solution on public stockholding.

Conclusion

Food security is a vital entitlement, but delivering it efficiently and defending it at the WTO are equally essential.