Food Minister K.V Thomas justifies promulgation of Food Security Ordinance

Thomas recalled that in June, 2009, the Central Government made a commitment to enact a new law to provide a statutory basis for food security of the people. Accordingly, the National Food Security Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 22nd December, 2011 to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach.

"In view of the time that has already lapsed in passing of the National Food Security Bill, 2011 since its announcement by the then President of India, Pratibha Patil in her address to the Joint Session of Parliament in 2009, and further delay in getting it passed through Parliament, the Government was of the considered view that it will not be appropriate to further delay the reaching of the proposed benefits of the Bill to the people of the country," he added.

K.V Thomas said that a motion for consideration and passing of the Bill was moved in the Lok Sabha on 2nd May but the discussion could not be concluded in the Budget Session, and Parliament was adjourned sine die on 8th May and thereafter both the Houses were prorogued.

"As both the Houses of Parliament were not in Session and immediate action was required to be taken to ensure that the benefits of the proposed legislation reach the people at the earliest, the President promulgated the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 on 5th July," he said.

Political parties have sharply criticized the promulgation of the ordinance, calling it undemocratic and demanding that the Food Security Bill should be debated in both Houses before being passed.