Cabinet likely to discuss Food Security Bill ordinance

The Union Cabinet is likely to discuss issuing of an ordinance to implement the government's ambitious Food Security Bill.

"The Cabinet meeting is scheduled for June 13. The proposal to bring promulgation of the National Food Security Ordinance 2013 under article 123 (1) of the Constitution to provide for Food Security is on the agenda list," a media report quoting its sources, as saying.

Apart from the Food Security Bill, two other issues are also likely to be taken up. These are a proposal from the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry to give it more autonomy over approval to highway projects and a proposal to host the under-17 FIFA Football World Cup in 2017.

The Food Security Bill was tabled during the budget session of Parliament, but could not be taken up for discussion because of opposition-led disruptions of proceedings arising out of scam-related allegations.

The Food Security Bill is aimed at giving legal rights to 67% of the population over a uniform quantity of 5 kg foodgrains at a fixed price of Rs 1-3 per kg through ration shops.

The Congress, which leads the UPA, considers the Bill as a game changer in the run-up to the next elections.