Wary of the National Food Security Bill meeting the fate of the Lokpal Bill, the Centre appears to have set a target of August 15 to unveil the law, with the hope that a political way out would be found to bring the Trinamul Congress and other opponents on board for which moves are afoot.
The Centre is worried that the Congress’ lack of majority in the Rajya Sabha could put the enactment of Food Security law on the backburner if the TMC chief Mamata Banerjee is not won over in the coming months. “The Centre will prepare well before moving ahead for seeking Parliamentary approval for the Food Bill. As of now the TMC and AIADMK are clear threats,” said a senior official, who added that the Centre would not hurry to get the Bill passed. The official said that the food ministry is looking forward for unveiling the food entitlement law on August 15. “We have enough time on hand. Some initiatives have been made to reach out to Ms Banerjee. However, the indication is that the TMC would be raising a number of objections against the Bill in the standing committee,” stated the official.
The Centre is wary of the fact that the Trinamul Congress could again play the spoiler by rallying behind a number of state governments who have opposed the Food Bill. The Centre is also looking forward towards the conclusion of the ongoing Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECS).