JOIN USFood Security Scheme to cost Rs 3.5 lakh cr
The Bill which was approved by the Cabinet on Sunday in a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, would be increase the food subsidy bill to Rs 95,000 crore per annum against the current Rs 67,337 crore.
However, the government has to shell out huge money for other activities including boosting farm productions. The food ministry has suggested that Rs 1,10,600 crore for increase agriculture production, another Rs 35,000 crore for strengthening the scheme of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services).
Apart from this, funds would be required to create storage space, publicity, computerisation of PDS, strengthening of department and capacity building among others.
The provision of meals to special group would cost Rs 8,920 crore per annum, while maternity benefits would be to the tune of Rs 14,512 crore per annum. These are to be shared between Centre and states.
Hoping to empower women, the bill proposes that the ration card will be issued to the eldest female member of the family.
Features
Under the scheme, the Centre would reimburse in cash in case of short supply of foodgrain to States because of fall in production on account of natural calamities such as drought and floods.
In case of non-supply of foodgrain or meals to entitled person, the concerned State would be required to provide “food security allowance”.
A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism would be set up to deal with issues related to delivery of entitlements. They are — District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO), State Food Commission and National Food Commission.
The bill also provides for penalty up to Rs 5,000 to be imposed on public servants or authority by the National and State Food Commissions if found guilty of non-compliance with the relief recommended by DGRO.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers, besides being entitled to nutritious meals, will receive maternity benefit at Rs 1,000 per month for six months. Even children up to eighth standard would get meals.