Food Security Bill likely in Parliament on Wednesday

The ordinance on the Food Security Bill is expected to come up for consideration in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, sources said on Monday.

The ordinance on the ambitious scheme was signed by President Pranab Mukherjee exactly a month ago. The bill seeks to give nation’s three-fourth population the right to get 5 kg of foodgrains every month at highly subsidised rates of Rs 1-3 per kg.

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said earlier in the day that his party was ready to support the Food Security Bill if the government promises to protect the interests of farmers and ensures that they get profit over their produce. His remarks come against the backdrop of reports that the issue of suspended Indian Administrative Service officer Durga Sakthi Nagpal could cast a shadow over Congress' bid to secure SP's support on the food measure.

Meanwhile, Food Minister K V Thomas laid a copy in the Lok Sabha on Monday showing reasons for immediate legislation by promulgation of the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013.