Land acquisition, food security bills need debate: Ramesh

Terming the land acquisition and food security bills "far too important", union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh Tuesday said they needed to be debated in parliament.

"My view is that these bills are far too important and need to have a debate (in parliament). I am still hoping that we will have a parliament session," Ramesh told Times Now news channel, but was non-committal on the government convening a special parliament session to pass the two bills.

Ramesh said the real question is whether the opposition will allow the monsoon session to take place. "There is no guarantee that we will have a monsoon session smoothly."

The minister added: "We have made an honest attempt to pass the bills".

While the land acquisition bill will ensure enhanced compensation for farmers who give up their land, the food security bill envisages giving legal right to cheap grain to around two-thirds of India's population.

The government introduced the food security bill in the latter half of the monsoon session but pandemonium in both the houses ensured that the bill could not be taken up.

Both bills are seen to be crucial for the UPA's electoral fortunes in the next general elections.