CPI(M) MP raises privilege issue against Food Ministry

A CPI(M) MP has raised an issue of privilege against the Food Ministry alleging it of committing "gross impropriety" upon the rights and privileges of the MPs on the food security legislation.
"While the Parliament is in session, this is not called for and it amounts to breach of privilege upon rights and privileges of MPs," A Sampath told PTI.
"My question is while the Parliament is in session it has been a gross impropriety upon the rights and privileges of the members of Parliament giving some publicity utilising crores and crores of rupees from the public exchequer regarding the provisions of the so-called food security bill or the already published food security ordinance. It is a violation," he said.

"I have given a notice to Speaker Meira Kumar," he said.
Sampath wondered why did the Ministry was giving "splashy multicolour advertisements in newspapers, stating the details regarding the coming food security bill, which was proclaimed as ordinance".
The much-touted Food Security Bill, which proposes to give the country's three-fourth population the right to highly-subsidised food, was introduced in the Lok Sabha yesterday with the government rejecting apprehensions that it would impinge upon the rights of states.
Food Minister K V Thomas introduced the fresh bill after withdrawing an earlier one along with the ordinance which was promulgated on July 5.

The bill promises to give right to the country's 80 crore people to get 5 kg of foodgrains every month at Rs 1-3 per kg.