The National Food Security Act stated that beneficiaries in the priority and non-priority categories were entitled to receive rice, wheat and jowar or bajra at discounted rates. However, the prerogative of setting up the guidelines to implement the scheme has been granted to the various state governments. The Maharashtra government has decided to rule out jowar, bajra as the assured foodgrains from its list, citing availability issues. The ambitious Act will be implemented from February 1.

Being secure: Consumers enrolling for food security at a ration shop. Representation Pic