New Delhi: The much-touted Food Security Bill, which proposes to give the country’s three-fourth population the right to food, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Food Minister KV Thomas introduced the Bill after withdrawing an earlier one along with the ordinance which was promulgated on July 5.
Moving the National Food Security Bill, 2013, which promises to give the country’s 80 crore people to get 5 kg of foodgrains every month at Rs 1-3 per kg.
“It does not impinge upon the rights of states. It protects the Constitution,” he said to allay apprehensions expressed by Tamil Nadu parties — AIADMK and DMK — over the new law.
He said any concern could be debated upon when the Bill comes up for discussion in the House. Earlier, AIADMK member M Thambidurai opposed introduction of the Bill saying it is against the Constitution and federal system.
“It is not Food Security Bill, it is actually Food Insecurity Bill,” he said, adding that it should be brought only after consultations with states. Contending that the Bill has “several flaws that have created serious apprehensions”, he said the legislation amounts to “interfering with state governments”.
Thambidurai, whose party is in power in Tamil Nadu, said the Bill will affect his state where a universal scheme for providing subsidized food is already being implemented successfully.
