India Food Security Bill 2013

India Food Security Bill 2013 -National Food Security Bill 2013

Lok Sabha approves $20 billion Food Security Bill

Lok Sabha  passed the ambitious National Food Security Bill, 2013 that seeks to provide highly subsidised food grains to nearly 70 per cent of the population of the country, to give cheap grain to the poor, a key part of the ruling Congress party's strategy to win re-election

UPA government will legally entitle 67 per cent of the population (including 75 per cent rural and 50 per cent urban) to get subsidised grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). 

A beneficiary will be entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Re. 1 per kg a month, respectively. The beneficiaries will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by the Union government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath suggested a revote on it to which Ms. Swaraj agreed, saving the government from embarrassment. 

Her amendment was negated as the result of the division showed 252 Ayes and 141 Nays with the total number being at 393.