Sonia urges PM to act on food security law

New Delhi, Jun 26: In an attempt to fulfill one of the UPA's poll promise, Sonia Gandhi has written to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to enact the National Food Security Act.

The law is aimed at ensuring food security for the poor. Congress president who raised the issue first on Jun 12 after UPA was re elected for the second term, has also given him a prototype for the legislation.

“One of the most important commitments made by our party in the Lok Sabha election manifesto relates to the enactment of a National Food Security Act to ensure food security to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. I am sending a copy of the draft legislation for your consideration," Sonia Gandhi's letter read.

'Right to Food (Guarantee of Safety and Security) Act' makes freedom from hunger and malnutrition a fundamental right. According to the draft the act will "provide for and assert the physical, economic and social right of all citizens to have access to safe and nutritious food, consistent with an adequate diet necessary to lead an active and healthy life with dignity…"

Even though at the times of polls the party has promised 25 kg of grains at Rs 3 per kg, this law offers 35 kg of cereal at Rs 3 per kg every month. This will apply to expanded set of beneficiaries including nclude destitute and vulnerable households besides below the poverty line (BPL) families and those eligible under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

OneIndia News