Food security: Govt panel for reduction in population coverage
23 Jan 2015 12:34 AM GMT
The Shanta Kumar committee constituted by the Modi government to give recommendations for restructuring Food Corporation of India (FCI), has suggested reduction in coverage of population from 67 per cent to 40 per cent under the National Food Security Act. Addressing the media on the recommendations made by the committee, Kumar said, “the legal entitlement of food grains should be raised from 5 kilograms to 7 kilograms per person per month.”
“The Prime Minister has asked the Department of Food and Public Distribution to expeditiously give its comments on the report so that it can be implemented in a time-bound manner,” said an official statement. The panel headed by former food minister Shanta Kumar has suggested gradual introduction of direct cash transfer regime for food subsidy. He said, “The initiative will help the government to save around Rs 3000 crore per year.” he also said, “there is no food security unless the government provides security to farmers and they are committing suicides because they are not getting full benefits of subsidies given by the government.”
“The Prime Minister has asked the Department of Food and Public Distribution to expeditiously give its comments on the report so that it can be implemented in a time-bound manner,” said an official statement. The panel headed by former food minister Shanta Kumar has suggested gradual introduction of direct cash transfer regime for food subsidy. He said, “The initiative will help the government to save around Rs 3000 crore per year.” he also said, “there is no food security unless the government provides security to farmers and they are committing suicides because they are not getting full benefits of subsidies given by the government.”
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