Sonia overseeing food security bill on a daily basis: KV Thomas | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Sonia overseeing food security bill on a daily basis: KV Thomas

Hindustan Times | ByVarghese K George and Zia Haq, New Delhi
Feb 20, 2013 12:06 AM IST

The government has virtually cleared all hurdles in the way of the ambitious National Food Security Bill, which stems from a Congress poll promise. Food minister Kuruppasserry Varkey Thomas on the bill’s final contours in an interview to Hindustan Times. Varghese K George and Zia Haq report.

The government has virtually cleared all hurdles in the way of the ambitious National Food Security Bill, which stems from a Congress poll promise.

Food minister Kuruppasserry Varkey Thomas on the bill’s final contours in an interview to Hindustan Times.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The food security bill was steered by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Is she happy with the outcomes?
Mrs Gandhi is monitoring it on a daily basis now, sending comments everyday. It is she who said 2.5 crore “poorest of the poor” families must be covered.

These are those households that are poorest among those below the poverty line and already covered under a food scheme called the "Antodaya Anna Yojana". Mrs Gandhi also asked special allocations, such as those for pregnant and lactating women, to be in the form of cooked food only so that they get calorific value.

The standing committee did not specifically say whether they should be counted in or not. It only recommended two categories: those covered under the food bill and those to be excluded.

So, our final coverage may go up slightly (from 67%), while covering 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population.

Mrs Gandhi has also said all beneficiaries must get rice, wheat and millets at Rs.3, Rs.2 and Rs.1, with no additional costs (of transportation) passed on to them.

So who should bear the transportation costs?
Currently, some state governments bear the transportation charges. Some states pass it on to consumers. Under the food security law, states will have to bear it.

What is the timeline you are looking at to pass the bill?
We want to introduce the bill in the first week of March and get it passed in the second half of the budget session. We want to get the food law up and running during the tenure of this government.

What about internal differences, such as resistance from Pawar?
Sharad Pawar has come round. His ministry has itself projected enough food production to support the bill. In fact, the food ministry has projected food output figures till 2040, which say we will have enough grains.

Planning Commission has told us a subsidy bill of about Rs.1.20 lakh crore annually is not an issue. The finance ministry is totally in agreement. Now, even the BJP has welcomed it.

So, the bill will be rolled out before the next elections?
Once passed, some states are in a position to implement it. Others will follow. We will implement the law as soon as it is passed.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On