Context: World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, serves as a vital reminder of the global commitment to achieving food and nutritional security.
Food Insecurity: According to the FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI report), approximately 2.33 billion people worldwide experience moderate to severe food insecurity. 

About Right to Food

• Definition of Right to Food: The “Right to Food” broadly means that every individual has the right to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. 

• Recognition of ‘Right to Food’ in International Human Rights Instruments: The right to food is recognized in the 1948 Universal Declaration of  Human Rights and is enshrined in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 

Key Elements of the Right to Food

• Availability: Availability means food should be available through farming, animal husbandry, fishing, or gathering etc, and should also be available for purchase in markets and shops.

• Accessibility

1. Economic Accessibility: Food should be affordable, allowing individuals to meet their dietary needs without sacrificing other basic necessities.

2. Physical Accessibility: Food access must be guaranteed for vulnerable groups (children, elderly, disabled) and those in remote areas or crisis situations.

Adequacy: Food must meet dietary needs based on factors like age, health, and cultural preferences. It should be safe for consumption, free from harmful substances, and culturally acceptable to recipients.

India’s Approach to Right to Food

• No Explicit Provision: The Indian Constitution does not have any explicit provision regarding the right to food.

• Extension of the Right to Life: The fundamental right to life enshrined in Article 21 of the  Indian Constitution can be interpreted to include the right to life with human dignity which may include Right to Food.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 39(a): Directs the State to secure the right to adequate livelihood for all citizens.

• Article 47: Establishes the State’s duty to improve nutrition and living standards as a primary responsibility.

Background of Food Security in India

• Progress in Food Production: India has made significant strides in food production through improved agricultural practices, such as better seeds, irrigation, and mechanization. These advancements were facilitated by government incentives, including subsidies and favorable pricing for farmers.

• National Food Security Act (NFSA): The NFSA was established to provide subsidized grains to about two-thirds of the population, yet its implementation has drawn scrutiny over the economic rationale of distributing free food to such a large segment amid ongoing poverty debates.

• Critique of Current Policies: Previous reforms under the Vajpayee government aimed to target food subsidies more effectively. Critics argue that the current approach of providing free food to over 800 million people is economically unsustainable and serves primarily as a political strategy.

Measuring Poverty and Subsidy Effectiveness

• Changing Poverty Metrics: The NITI Aayog's Multi-dimensional Poverty Index suggests a decline in the poverty ratio, from 29.13% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23. This raises questions about the need for extensive free food distribution if poverty levels have indeed decreased.

• Economic Implications of Subsidies: The vast food subsidy constitutes the largest part of the Union budget, diverting funds away from crucial investments in agricultural research, education, and health, which could be more effective in ensuring food security.

• Corruption and Inefficiency: Research indicates that 25-30% of food and fertilizer subsidies fail to reach their intended beneficiaries, with overall inefficiencies leading to losses of up to 40-50%. This inefficiency undermines the objectives of the Right to Food initiative.

Proposed Reforms and Future Directions

• Need for Reform: The current system of food and fertilizer subsidies is viewed as ineffective and susceptible to corruption. A call for reform emphasizes the need for targeted assistance rather than blanket subsidies, suggesting that only a small percentage of the population should receive free food.

• Role of Digitization: Digitizing the agri-food system could enhance efficiency and accountability in the distribution of resources, aiding in the achievement of the Zero Hunger goal by 2030.

• Political Will for Change: For successful reform, the government must demonstrate commitment and prepare for implementation within a short timeframe. Engagement with dedicated experts—while avoiding opportunistic consultants—will be crucial for developing a rational subsidy framework.

Conclusion

• The right to free food must be approached with caution and pragmatism. While it is essential to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to adequate nutrition, the current model of widespread subsidization is neither sustainable nor effective. 

• By reforming food and fertilizer subsidies, focusing on targeted assistance, and leveraging technology, India can move towards achieving its Zero Hunger goal by 2030 while also ensuring fiscal responsibility. The path forward requires courage from policymakers and a commitment to rationalizing existing systems for better outcomes in food security and nutrition.