Likely in Parliament this week; FoodMin draft accepted without changes; CCEA defers decision on levy sugar

The Union Cabinet today cleared the revised and much-discussed National Food Security Bill (NFSB), paving the way for its introduction in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. If enacted, this would provide a legal entitlement for cheap grain to about two-thirds of India’s population, at five kg monthly for each person. Rice will be provided at a uniform Rs 3 a kg (market price over Rs 20 a kg), wheat at Rs 2 a kg (market price Rs 16 a kg) and coarse cereals at Re 1 a kg.

Te bill seeks to abolish distinction between below poverty line and above poverty line families; proposes common category with uniform legal entitlement

The Cabinet today cleared the Food Security Bill which has incorporated the amendments to the previous bill as suggested by the standing committee of Parliament on food. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs deferred a decision on dismantling levy sugar mechanism.

The revised national food security Bill will be taken up by the Cabinet in a special meeting on Monday. Under the Bill, the subsidised price of the foodgrains to the defined sections of beneficiaries would be fixed for three years, rather than one year as proposed initially.

Despite a parliamentary panel opposing it, the Bill would seek to continue with the policy of providing highly subsidised foodgrains to poorest of the poor BPL families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojna (AAY).

Despite severe opposition from civil society groups, the Union government has decided to cut the entitlement of a beneficiary to subsidised grain from 7 kg a month (as provided in the National Food

Mindful of the fiscal challenge the national food security law is likely to bring, the government proposes to give itself the option of raising the price of foodgrains three years after the law is

New Delhi: Your neighbourhood sweetmeat shop may soon have to comply with stricter quality standards while preparing its rasgullas, barfis and snacks, with India’s food safety authority planning to

As the Congress-led Centre braces itself for its ambitious National Food Security Bill whose revised version is slated to be placed during this Parliament session between March 19 and 21, activists of the Right to Food Campaign have announced a fresh round of demonstrations to push for universal comprehensive food security with entitlements of food grains, oils and pulses.

Rejecting the latest draft, which according to the Union Food Minister, K.V. Thomas, has been prepared after more than 252-odd amendments, they described it as "piecemeal, diluted and minimalistic" and one that will lead to a lot of poor slipping from the gaps.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard lauded China as Australia's key partner in the fight for global food security at the launch of a new integrated research center here on Wednesday.