---
title: "National Food Security Act, 2013 — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The National Food Security Act, 2013 ensures subsidised foodgrains for two-thirds of India's population, transforming food access into a legal right."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/national-food-security-act-2013"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The National Food Security Act, 2013 is an Indian statute that gives a legal right to subsidised foodgrains to roughly two-thirds of the population through the Public Distribution System.
- Which constitutional provisions underpin the National Food Security Act, 2013?
- What entitlements does the NFSA provide and to whom?
- Why does the Act designate the eldest woman as head of household?
- What is One Nation One Ration Card and how does it relate to NFSA?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research National Food Security Act, 2013 like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about National Food Security Act, 2013

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on National Food Security Act, 2013](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20National%20Food%20Security%20Act%2C%202013%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In April 2020, the Indian government invoked the National Food Security Act framework to launch PMGKAY, supplying free additional foodgrains to roughly 800 million NFSA beneficiaries during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[Poverty Development The Social Sector](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-indian-society-poverty-development-the-social-sector)[Green Revolution Food Security](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-post-independence-green-revolution-food-security)

Courses

[Upsc Indian Society](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/upsc-indian-society)[Upsc Post Independence](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/upsc-post-independence)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take National Food Security Act, 2013 beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.