Food Security Bill to be discussed in Parliament, Congress eyes upon SP for support

The Food Security Bill, which was introduced last week, is likely to be discussed in the Parliament on Monday.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla today said the government is willing to discuss everything, but most important of them all is the Food Security Bill.

The Food Security Bill is listed for a scheduled six-hour discussion, following which it is expected to be put to vote.

The Congress Party has asked all its Members of Parliament to be present in the Lok Sabha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that it would suggest some amendments in the Food Security Bill before getting it passed in both the houses.

The United Progressive Alliance's key ally Samajwadi Party (SP) has also opposed the Bill, and said that it is anti-farmer. The UPA Government needs the support of Mulayam Singh Yadav's 22 MPs during the vote.

The Left Front has moved a resolution opposing the Bill, which has been supported by the AIADMK-led by J. Jayalalithaa.

Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister K.V. Thomas earlier on August 7 introduced National Food Security Bill in Lok Sabha today to replace the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 which was promulgated on July 5.

The National Food Security Bill is a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people. It gives right to the people to receive adequate quantity of foodgrains at affordable prices. The Bill has special focus on nutritional support to poorest of the poor, women and children.

In case of non-supply of foodgrains now people will get Food Security Allowance. The bill provides for grievance redressal mechanism and penalty for non compliance by public servant or authority.