UPSC CSE Prelims 2018
Statement 2 is correct. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, stipulates that for the purpose of issuing a ration card, the eldest woman in a household, who is 18 years of age or above, shall be designated as the head of the household. This provision is a measure towards women's empowerment.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The NFSA, 2013, does not restrict eligibility for subsidised food grains exclusively to families below the poverty line (BPL). Instead, it extends coverage to up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population, as identified by state/union territory governments, thereby moving beyond the traditional BPL criteria for identifying beneficiaries.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious meal providing at least 600 calories per day, along with a maternity benefit of not less than ₹6,000. The entitlement mentioned in the statement of 1600 calories per day is factually incorrect.