Amartya Sen lauds government's Right to Food Bill

New Delhi, Aug. 8(ANI): The United Progressive Alliance Government earned appreciation of the Nobel laureate Amartya Sen over the Government's draft of a Right to Food (Guarantee of Safety and Security) Bill.

Speaking during a panel discussion in the national capital on Saturday, Amartya Sen called the Government's initiative being "a step in the right direction".

"I think we should give credit to the government that they are thinking of bringing the Right to Food Act, the fact that they are thinking in this line is extremely important and we ought to recognise that," said Amartya Sen.

The National Food Security Bill aims to remove hunger and malnourishment, but the Nobel laureate Sen said that the Government should make sure that the facilities reach the poor.

"Remember we have to reach the deprived people in a variety of ways and then look deeper and recognise that along with the under-nourishment problem, we have to address the question of general health care and public services," Sen said.

The Right to Food Bill is part of the United Progressive Alliance's election manifesto, that proposes a National Food Security law mentioned in the budget speech under which every poor family would get 25 kg of food grain per month at Rs.3 per kg. (ANI)