7.9 million eligible people lack food safety coverage

The food ministry reported that about 7.9 million eligible people are not covered by the public distribution system. This is due to outdated population data from the 2011 census, and the government cannot add more beneficiaries until the next census is completed. The National Food Security Act aims to provide food handouts to 75% of the rural population and 50% of urban dwellers. Currently, 805.6 million beneficiaries are covered, leaving room for 7.9 million more to be identified. The decennial census, originally scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parliamentary panel noted that the food security law is being implemented effectively, with significant food aid provided during the pandemic.