Tamil Nadu MP dubs it food “insecurity” Bill
The Union minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution, K V Thomas, introduced the National Food Security Bill in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill replaces the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013, promulgated last month.
The food security Bill provides certain minimum food grains at subsidized rate of Rs 1-3 per kilogram to close to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban population. It would also provide cash to beneficiaries in case the state fails to ensure food security.
The ordinance rout was chosen after lack of consensus among all political parties. But it drew sharp criticism from main opposition parties like Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Left parties and activists. They all wanted discussions and amendments.
Thomas first withdrew the food security ordinance (given presidential assent on July 5, and proposed discussion and resolution on the introduced Bill.
M Thambidurai of AIDMK protested, saying the Bill is against the federal set up enshrined in our Constitution. He termed the bill as the food “insecurity” Bill because it curtails present allocation of grains to the state.
Leaders of DMK also demanded changes related to maintaining present allocation of grains to Tamil Nadu and other better performing states.
The National Food Security Bill, 2013
The National Food Security Ordinance, 2013
The National Food Security Bill, 2011 (Bill No. 132 of 2011)
Report of the expert committee on national food security bill
Challenges of food security and its management 2011
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