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Zero Hunger Mission

RIGHT TO FOOD

HUNGER IS NOT A FATE

In a nation that exports grain, starvation is not a lack of resources; it is a failure of distribution. Food is not a charity; it is a fundamental right.

The Constitution guarantees the Right to Life, which implicitly includes the right to live with dignity and adequate nutrition. Yet, millions sleep on an empty stomach while godowns rot with excess stock.

FEED THE FUTURE →CHECK RATION RIGHTS

Part 2: The Hunger

The Paradox of Plenty

Based on Global Hunger Index & NFHS-5 Data

111th

Global Rank

Global Hunger Index (India)

35%

Child Stunting

Chronic Malnutrition

68M

Food Waste

Tonnes lost annually

81Cr

Beneficiaries

Under Food Security Act

The "Hidden Hunger"

Hunger isn't just an empty stomach; it is the absence of nutrition. Hidden Hunger (micronutrient deficiency) affects millions who eat only rice or wheat but lack vegetables, pulses, and proteins. This leads to anemia, blindness, and cognitive decline.

Systemic Failures

Supply Chain Rot: Grain rots in open godowns due to lack of cold storage while people starve kilometers away.
Exclusion Errors: Genuine poor are denied ration because of Aadhaar biometric failures or lack of linkage.
Dealer Corruption: Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers siphoning off grain to sell in the black market.

STOCK: LOW

[Image of Nutritional Value Chart]

Malnutrition Audit

Anemia (Women)57%

Affects maternal health and birth weight.

Wasting (Children)19%

Low weight for height (Acute malnutrition).

Dietary DiversityPoor

Reliance on single cereal crop.

"The war against hunger is truly mankind's war of liberation." - JFK

Part 3: The Law

National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013

Converting a welfare scheme into a legal right.

Right to Food (NFSA)

Coverage

Covers 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations. Provides 5kg grain per person per month at subsidized rates (₹3 Rice, ₹2 Wheat, ₹1 Coarse Grains).

Subsidized Grain

PUCL vs Union of India

Supreme Court 2001

Established the "Right to Food" as part of the Right to Life (Article 21). Ordered implementation of Mid-Day Meals and ICDS.

Landmark Judgment

Key Entitlements

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

For the "poorest of the poor." Provides 35kg of food grain per family per month, regardless of family size.

Maternity Benefit

Pregnant and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious meal and a cash benefit of ₹6,000 (PM Matru Vandana Yojana).

Mid-Day Meal Scheme

Every child (6-14 years) in government schools is entitled to a free, cooked hot meal every day.

Part 4: The Barriers

Why Does Hunger Persist?

Ration Card Issues

Millions of eligible poor do not have ration cards because quotas based on the 2011 Census are outdated.

Tech Exclusion

Biometric failures (worn fingerprints of laborers) lead to denial of rations at Fair Price Shops.

Migration

"One Nation One Ration Card" is still not fully effective. Migrant workers often cannot claim rations in their destination city.

Quality Control

PDS grain is often adulterated with stones or is of such poor quality that it is unfit for human consumption.

Diversion

Mafias divert subsidized grain to open markets or breweries, leaving the shops empty for the poor.

YOUR ROLE

Do not waste food. Donate to food banks. If you see PDS corruption, report it to the District Grievance Redressal Officer.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC NOURISH PROTOCOL

Bridging the gap between the field and the plate.

1. Ration Access

Ensuring entitlement.

• Card Enrollment: Helping families apply for new Ration Cards.

• ONORC Linking: Helping migrants activate "One Nation One Ration Card".

2. Community Kitchens

Immediate relief.

• Daily Meals: Running kitchens in slums for day laborers.

• Nutrition Kits: Distributing pulses and oil to combat hidden hunger.

3. Child Nutrition

Saving the next generation.

• Anganwadi Support: Supplementing Govt supplies with eggs and milk.

• Growth Monitoring: Tracking weight/height of children in slums.

4. Agricultural Linkage

Supporting the producer.

• Seed Banks: Preserving indigenous, climate-resilient seeds.

• Kitchen Gardens: Teaching rural women to grow vegetables for self-consumption.

5. Accountability

Watching the watchmen.

• Social Audits: Conducting public audits of Fair Price Shops.

• Legal Action: Filing PILs against corruption in grain distribution.

ACTIVATE NOURISHMENT

Select your Impact Level.
Donations support verified beneficiaries and the systems that help ensure assistance is delivered safely, transparently, and effectively.

IMPACT LEVEL 1

₹500

Provides nutritious mid-day meals for 20 school children.

RECOMMENDED

IMPACT LEVEL 2

₹3,000

Feeds a family of 4 with a monthly ration kit (Rice, Oil, Pulses).

IMPACT LEVEL 3

₹20,000

Sets up a "Kitchen Garden" project in a village school.

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: Ensured through donation receipts and periodic disclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a Ration Card?

You can apply for a new card via your state's Food & Civil Supplies portal. However, due to quotas, new cards are often issued only when existing beneficiaries are removed.

Can I use my Ration Card in another state?

Yes. Under the "One Nation One Ration Card" (ONORC) scheme, you can lift your entitled grain from any electronic Fair Price Shop (e-PoS) across India using Aadhaar authentication.

What if the dealer gives less quantity?

This is illegal. You should demand a printed receipt from the PoS machine. If they refuse, file a complaint on 1967 (National Helpline) or with the District Supply Officer.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may vary by location. BRAC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. BRAC® is a registered trademark. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in