Implementing Food Security Bill will be challenge for govt: Shaw

Marico chairman says the timing of the ordinance on food security is not right

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CMD, Biocon Ltd

"It is a well intentioned scheme by the government. But implementing it in a fair, equitable and transparent manner is going to be a big challenge for the government. A large population of the country requires food, which is nutritious and ensuring food security to them is a grand challenge for the governments.

"While implementing it, the government needs to ensure that the misuse of food grains is avoided. At the same time, the farmers should not be burdened with the cost of subsidising the supply. It should not be detrimental to certain sections of the society.”

Food Minister K V Thomas

"Food security ordinance was unanimously approved by the Cabinet. We will immediately sent it to the President for his assent."

Planning Commission member Abhijit Sen

Ordinance is no option. It has to go to Parliament in a specified period of time, otherwise it will lapse. Had there been a provision that it does not require to go to Parliament, then it would have been a different matter.

Harsh Mariwala, chairman & managing director, Marico

I am not against welfare measures, but the timing of the ordinance on food security is not right. It has been done with an eye on the polls. What I would have preferred is a focus on reforms, building infrastructure and clearing supply-side bottlenecks. That is the need of the hour in my view.