Mapping the Implementation of the National Food Security Act2013 In Ensuring Food Security in Sikkim

Abstract

Food security has been recognized as a human right in several International human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights etc. Foodsecurity as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization is built on four pillars i.e., food availability, accessibility, utilization and stability. India enacted the National Food Security Act, 2013, as a commitment to respect international obligations relating to food and elimination of hunger. Consequently, Sikkim passed the Sikkim Food Security Rules2014 and implemented the National Food Security Act, 2013 on 1st January 2016 with an objective to provide subsidized food grains under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Household beneficiaries. Though there were initial setbacks in the implementation of the Act, due to geographical, administrative, logistic limitations etc., Sikkim through its various reforms has been successful in implementing the law and realizing food security in the State. The State has been performing well amongst the special category states; however, it still has to strive towards strengthening its logistical issues and accomplish equitable access to food for all eligible citizens and nutritional security for the beneficiaries in the State to live a life with dignity.