Section 9 of The National Food Security Act, 2013 in hindi — Coverage of population under Targeted Public Distribution System

Bare section text

Official Legislative Text

The percentage coverage under the Targeted Public Distribution System in rural and urban areas for each State shall, subject to sub-section (2) of section 3, be determined by the Central Government and the total number of persons to be covered in such rural and urban areas of the State shall be calculated on the basis of the population estimates as per the census of which the relevant figures have been published.

Educational Study Layer

Summary

The Central Government decides the total percentage of the population that gets subsidized food in both rural and urban areas for every state.
The total number of people allowed to get this food benefit is calculated using population estimates from the officially published census.
This calculation is restricted by caps set in another part of the law, which limit coverage to a specific maximum percentage of rural and urban residents.

Practical examples

1In 2026, the Central Government looks at the most recently published census data for Maharashtra. They use these official population numbers to calculate exactly how many rural residents in Maharashtra can be enrolled to receive heavily subsidized rice and wheat.

2When figuring out how many people in the city of Bengaluru can get ration cards under this system, the Central Government ensures the final number does not exceed 50 percent of Karnataka's urban population, as the law limits urban coverage.

FAQ

1. Who decides the total number of people covered by subsidized food in my state?

The Central Government calculates the total number of people to be covered for both rural and urban areas.

2. What numbers does the government use to count the population for these benefits?

The government calculates the coverage based on the population estimates from the officially published census.

3. Is there a limit to how many people can be covered in a state?

Yes, the Central Government determines the coverage subject to maximum limits for rural and urban populations outlined in Section 3 of the law.

Practice Quiz

Q1.Under Section 9 of The National Food Security Act, 2013, what specific data source is required to calculate the total number of persons to be covered in a state?

Q2.Under Section 9 read with Section 3 of The National Food Security Act, 2013, what is the absolute maximum percentage of a state's urban population that can receive foodgrains at subsidised prices?

Q3.Under Section 9 of The National Food Security Act, 2013, which level of government holds the power to determine the percentage coverage for rural and urban areas for each State?

Q4.Under Section 9 read with Section 3 of The National Food Security Act, 2013, what is the highest allowed percentage for coverage of people living in rural areas under this targeted food system?

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