The main features of the programme are:-
(i) The objective of the programme is to intensify the generation of supplementary wage employment
(ii) This programme is open to all rural poor who are in need of wage employment and are desired to do manual unskilled work.
(iii) It is 100% centrally sponsored scheme.
(iv) The food grains are provided to state free of cost.

Characteristics of National Food for Work Program:

The National Food for Work Program is a government initiative aimed at addressing food security and employment generation in rural areas. It has several key characteristics that make it an effective tool for poverty alleviation and rural development. Here are five characteristics of the program:

1. Employment Generation:
The National Food for Work Program focuses on providing employment opportunities to rural households. It aims to create productive assets, such as roads, irrigation canals, and water conservation structures, through labor-intensive work. By engaging the rural population in these activities, the program helps generate employment opportunities, which in turn leads to increased income and improved living standards.

2. Food Security:
One of the primary objectives of the National Food for Work Program is to ensure food security for vulnerable populations in rural areas. As the program is implemented, participants receive food grains as wages in addition to their regular income. This helps address immediate food needs and reduces the risk of hunger and malnutrition among the rural poor.

3. Participation of Marginalized Groups:
The program emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially disadvantaged sections of society. It promotes the active participation of these groups in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their specific needs are met. This characteristic helps in empowering these marginalized sections and reducing socio-economic disparities.

4. Locally Relevant Projects:
The National Food for Work Program prioritizes the execution of projects that are locally relevant and beneficial for the community. This ensures that the assets created through the program address the specific needs and priorities of the rural population. For example, if a village primarily depends on agriculture, the program may focus on creating irrigation infrastructure to enhance agricultural productivity.

5. Convergence with Other Schemes:
The program promotes convergence with other government initiatives to maximize its impact. By collaborating with schemes related to rural development, natural resource management, and livelihood promotion, the National Food for Work Program leverages resources and expertise to achieve comprehensive and sustainable outcomes. This characteristic enables the program to create synergies and avoid duplication of efforts.

In conclusion, the National Food for Work Program is characterized by its focus on employment generation, food security, inclusion of marginalized groups, locally relevant projects, and convergence with other schemes. These characteristics contribute to its effectiveness in reducing poverty, enhancing rural development, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the rural population.