Food ordinance: ‘Impact only after six months’

“Some preparatory work is required before the ordinance can be implemented and distribution of foodgrain under the Act can take place only after the exercise of identification of households is complete. The ordinance accordingly provides that state government shall complete the identification within 180 days (six months) after its commencement,” said an explanatory note issued by the government.

The Congress in an unusual move fielded Food Minister K V Thomas to address a press conference at the party headquarters. Appearing along with Thomas,general secretary Ajay Maken said “the biggest thing for any political party is to fulfil the promises it had made in its manifesto. People will take into account that Congress fulfils whatever it promises”.

“This also reflects the credibility that when we are going to polls in four states,we have also fulfilled a big promise that we had made in our manifesto…. This will be a game changer for the poor people,” he added.

With the Samajwadi Party,one of the UPA’s crucial outside supporters,raising concerns about the impact of the food security Bill on the farming community,the government’s explanatory notes said more farmers will be roped in procurement for the legislation. It said the increased requirement of foodgrain would mean more and more farmers coming under the ambit of MSP operations.

The Congress concurred. “It will rather benefit the farmers as large amounts of foodgrain will be procured by the government at the Minimum Support Price,” Maken said.