The government has deferred the nationwide implementation of the food security law by three months, a day after it postponed a decision on raising gas prices by a quarter.
The food security law, which promises 5 kg of rice wheat and coarse cereals per month to people at prices of Rs.3, Rs.2 and Rs.1 per kg, was enacted by the UPA government, but so far only 11 states have implemented it. Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the deadline of July 4, was being extended to give more time for discussions with states that have not enforced the law yet. “After a meeting with the prime minister, agriculture and finance minister, we reached a consensus to extend this program which promises the right of food and living to the poor,“ he said.
The deadline for implementation of National Food Security Act would expire on July 4. So far only 11 states have partly or fully implemented the law. About 19 states and union territories are yet to implement the provisions of the Act. The interim budget had projected that the government's food subsidy bill would rise to Rs.115,000 crore in the current fiscal from Rs.92,000 crore in 2013-14.
The law aims to cover 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population. “Different states have separate models of execution and identifying beneficiaries. There shouldn't be any confrontation between the states and centre. We are open for suggestions from all states,“ said Paswan.
The food security law, which promises 5 kg of rice wheat and coarse cereals per month to people at prices of Rs.3, Rs.2 and Rs.1 per kg, was enacted by the UPA government, but so far only 11 states have implemented it. Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the deadline of July 4, was being extended to give more time for discussions with states that have not enforced the law yet. “After a meeting with the prime minister, agriculture and finance minister, we reached a consensus to extend this program which promises the right of food and living to the poor,“ he said.
The deadline for implementation of National Food Security Act would expire on July 4. So far only 11 states have partly or fully implemented the law. About 19 states and union territories are yet to implement the provisions of the Act. The interim budget had projected that the government's food subsidy bill would rise to Rs.115,000 crore in the current fiscal from Rs.92,000 crore in 2013-14.
The law aims to cover 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population. “Different states have separate models of execution and identifying beneficiaries. There shouldn't be any confrontation between the states and centre. We are open for suggestions from all states,“ said Paswan.
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