Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Shri K.V.Thomas today made a statement regarding the Food Security Ordinance in Lok Sabha. Following is the statement.
In June, 2009, the Central Government made a commitment to enact a new law to provide a statutory basis for food security of the people. Accordingly, the National Food Security Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 22nd December, 2011 to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach.
The said Bill after its introduction was referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution for examination and Report. The Standing Committee presented its Report to the Speaker, Lok Sabha on 17th January, 2013. The recommendations of the Standing Committee were examined on priority; and accordingly, Government gave notice in Lok Sabha in the Budget Session for consideration and passing of the said Bill, along with official amendments. The said Bill was included in the Business of the House twice on 21st March, 2013 and 22nd March, 2013, before the recess of the Session. Subsequently, after reassembly of the House on 22nd April, 2013, the Bill was again listed on each working day since 2nd May, 2013. A motion for consideration and passing of the Bill was moved in the Lok Sabha on 2nd May, 2013 and some Members also participated in the discussion on the Bill on 6th May, 2013 and 7th May, 2013. However, the discussion could not be concluded in the Budget Session, and Parliament was adjourned sine die on 8th May, 2013 and thereafter both the Houses were prorogued.
In view of the time that has already lapsed in passing of the National Food Security Bill, 2011 since its announcement by the then President of India in her address to the Joint Session of Parliament on 4th June, 2009, and further delay in getting it passed through Parliament, the Government was of the considered view that it will not be appropriate to further delay the reaching of the proposed benefits of the Bill to the people of the country.
As both the Houses of Parliament were not in Session and immediate action was required to be taken to ensure that the benefits of the proposed legislation reach the people at the earliest, the President promulgated the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 on 5th July, 2013.
