National Food Security Bill expected to cost Rs 2-lakh cr annually

NEW DELHI: The recommended Food Security Bill is expected to cost Rs 2-lakh crore annually for Centre. The Cabinet is likely to reconsider this Bill next week. Centre is hoping to raise this Bill in the present session of Parliament.

In the past, the annual cost has been projected at Rs 1-1.5 lakh crore, but a recent calculation by the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) may display higher outgo. The Finance Ministry has allocated Rs 60,572.98 crore in the Budget for food subsidy in the present financial year.

Moreover, this Bill is likely to make provision for offering not less than 7 kg of foodgrains per person per month for the priority household. It also states that 48% of the all rural households and 28% of all the urban households needs to be given the status of priority households. These families will be getting rice at not below Rs 3 per kg, wheat Rs 2 per kg and coarse grains below Rs 1 per kg.

Moreover, the Bill also said that 75% of all rural households and at least 50% of urban households should get foodgrains at subsidised prices. And it will consist of priority and general households.

It is also recommended to offer not less than 3 kg of foodgrains per person per month for the general household per person per month.
The proposed Bill will be having special provisions for pregnant women. Any unemployed pregnant woman will be getting maternity benefits of Rs 1,000 per month for six months. She will also get rations or nutritious and freshly cooked meals free of charge during pregnancy and also six months after child birth.