Expressing strong displeasure over the present form of the Food Security Bill, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday said the proposed legislation ignores the role of panchayats in public distribution system (PDS) and relies more on bureaucracy.
While taking part in the debate on the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Mr Aiyar said the Constitution in its 11th schedule provides that PDS should be brought under the panchayati raj system. He said PDS has been successful only in states where local bodies are prominently involved.
The Congress leader said he had written to food minister K.V. Thomas and had even met him on the issue but despite his assurances, the role of local bodies is not clearly defined in the bill.
Regretting that “not one comma has been changed” despite his efforts, Mr Aiyar asked Prof. Thomas to utilise the opportunity, when the bill was being discussed, to consider provisions, which will recognise the role of panchayats and municipalities.
Mr Aiyar said civil supplies departments have become “dens of corruption” and involving panchayats is the solution.
A visibly elated Opposition members were seen often welcoming the Congress leader’s suggestions and objections.