India plans special parliament session to pass food bill

The Indian government considers a special session of parliament to the pass food bill.

14:31 13 June 2013

Many people in India live below the poverty line,with many children being malnourished. Because of this, the Indian government is considering convening a special session of parliament to pass food bill.

 

The aim is to subsidise food for two-thirds of the population. It also aims to make food a legal right in the country. 

 

The bill proposes to provide a kilo of rice at three rupees, wheat at two rupees, and millet at one rupee. This is expected to cost the Indian government 1.3trillion rupees (£15.8billion) every year. 

 

Meanwhile, the proposed bill was met by protests from both oppositions and Union government’s allies.

 

Critics, on the other hand, say that the passing of the food bill is a political move and a waste of public money.

 

Despite these, the Union government is reportedly still set to pass the National Food Security Ordinance 2013 in Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.