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Food security bill high on Cabinet meeting agenda

Last Updated 02 July 2013, 20:02 IST

Despite strong protests by allies and opposition, Manmohan Singh cabinet has put up ordinance on Food Security on its agenda for Wednesday. The Bill entitles almost 67 per cent of the country’s population to  five kg of grains per month at Rs 1-3 per kg.

The cabinet will decide whether the government should go for an ordinance or convene a session of parliament. The Bill had been tabled in Parliament in December 2011 and has undergone several changes in it. Parliament could not take up the Bill due to adjournments.

The hurry with which the Congress wishes to push through the scheme makes it obvious that the party wants its implementation before the Lok Sabha elections. However, the decision is likely to initiate a fierce political fight between Congress and the Opposition.

The Opposition is questioning the motive behind the urgency in implementing food entitlement. It is opposed to ordinance route for this legislation and wants a special session or advancing the monsoon session. The bill would enable around 800 million people to get subsidised food grain.

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(Published 02 July 2013, 20:02 IST)

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