Expert committee on Food Security Bill submits its report

The expert committee on Food Security Bill has submitted its report. The committee has said that the National Advisory Council (NAC) recommendations had large subsidy implications and could also lead to distortion of food prices.

Therefore, the committee has said, it will not be possible to implement NAC recommended food entitlements. Instead, the committee has recommended assured delivery of wheat at Rs 2 per kg and rice at Rs 3 per kg. The committee has also said that the entitlement should be for really needy households and the coverage for the rest should be through executive order. The legally entitled population recommended by the expert committee is the same as recommended by NAC. The committee has estimated the foodgrain subsidy in phase-I at Rs 68,539 crores and total subsidy in phase-I at Rs 83,000 crore. Meanwhile, NAC member Narendra Jadhav has said that it was natural for the government to debate NAC recommendations. Jhadhav said that the NAC had finalised the draft bill and the final call will be taken by the parliament.