Seventy five percent of rural and 50 percent of the urban population are entitled for three years from enactment to five kg food grains per month at 3 , 2 , 1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains (millet), respectively.
The states are responsible for determining eligibility.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious "take home ration" of 600 Calories and a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000 for six months.
Children 6 months to 14 years of age are to receive free hot meals or "take home rations".
The central government will provide funds to states in case of short supplies of food grains.
The current food grain allocation of the states will be protected by the central government for at least six months.
The state governments will provide a food security allowance to the beneficiaries in case of non-supply of food grains.
The Public Distribution System is to be reformed.
The eldest woman in the household, 18 years or above, is the head of the household for the issuance of the ration card.
There will be state- and district-level redress mechanisms.
State Food Commissions will be formed for implementation and monitoring of the provisions of the Act.
