Letters To The Editor
Indian Food Security Bill 2013
Recently the Indian Lok Sabha passed a highly ambitious 'National Food Security Bill 2013' which is estimated to be costing more than one lakh crore rupees. At the moment, Indian economy is in slowdown state and the GDP growth retarded to 4.4 percent for the first quarter of the current fiscal which is lowest in the last four years. How far this could be implemented remains a question.
Nevertheless, the food security bill contains some welfare oriented steps for the common Indians. It gives the right to subsidised food grain, provides for penalty for non-compliance by public servants. What is more, 75% of rural and 50 % of the urban population are entitled to five kg food grain per month at Rs.3, Rs.2 and Rs.1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains respectively. In case of short supply of food grain, the central government will provide funds to states to meet the shortage.
If the states can effectively and efficiently execute the above bill, common Indians will be much benefited. Our government can also follow this to ensure food supply to the poorest section of society.
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