Even while a section of Union ministers are opposed to the government’s move to push the National Food Security Bill through the ordinance route, the Union Cabinet in its meeting on Thursday is likely to discuss a proposal to this effect.
A Cabinet note, which was prepared last month, has been circulated among the ministers ahead of the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
While the government had been mulling over the option to call a special session of Parliament, the Congress apparently developed cold feet for strong opposition from the regional parties and lack of number in the Rajya Sabha to push through the legislation.
“The ordinance will allow the state government to begin the exercise to put the necessary mechanism in place for delivering the benefits of the Food Security Bill along with setting up tools to ensure that the people get the legal entitlements,” said a senior official.
However, Union minister of state for food and consumer affairs K.V. Thomas and Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh had favoured discussion in Parliament to precede implementation of the scheme.
Union agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar had stated earlier that he had been opposed to push the Food Bill through the ordinance route and favoured detailed discussion in Parliament.
The Food Bill seeks to guarantee legal entitlement for foodgrains to almost 67 per cent of the population.
The Food Bill promises legal entitlement for subsidised food to almost 80-84 crore Indians, out of a total estimated population of 120 crore, which will cost around `1,25,000 crore a year.
Additionally, the Food Bill seeks to provide 5 kg of either wheat or rice or coarse cereals per person per month at `3 per kilogram for rice, `2 per kilogram for wheat and `1 per kilogram for coarse cereals.