Emphasising about the biggest programme in the world to fight hunger, the monsoon session of the Parliament passed the food security bill after long contradictions and allegations. Even though there are several accusations before passing the bill, the government successfully passed the bill with a view to eradicate the hunger of the poor.
The bill benefits 67% of the total 1.2 Billion people. The Bill ensures the BPL (Below Poverty Level) category of people to have rice for 3 rupees, wheat for 2 rupees and other coarse grain for 1 rupee. Besides the subsidies the bill also ensures healthy food for the women and also for the children below 14 years of age. I.e. A pregnant woman or a lactating mother is eligible to get free meals under this scheme. They are also eligible to have a maternity benefit of Rs.6000 for the next 6 months after the child Birth.
By closely examining the salient features of the scheme, it clearly indicates that the bill focuses on wiping out the hunger of the poor by providing sufficient food as subsidies every month. Being a centrally sponsored scheme, the central government is totally responsible for the smooth functioning of this scheme. Currently the allocation of the grains in different states is under the arms of the central government. Also in case of the shortage of the food grains the central government will issue funds to the state government for managing the crisis. I.e. if a family doesn't get their subsidy, they are eligible for getting a monthly allowance accordingly.
Due to the wide perspective of the bill, the bill has gained good public attention as it is a scheme concentrated on eradicating the hunger of the poor and thereby gradually exterminates the poverty in the country.
On the stage of passing the Bill in the Parliament, the opposition came forward several accusations. They claimed that the farmers who manufacture these grains won't get any benefits. Also the opposition highlighted that they are the ones who started the plan at the time of their government and Chhattisgarh has already implemented such measure. But the central government kept aside all the allegations and explained the benefits of the scheme that is meant for the poor and needy.
By the time of passing the bill, contradictions were plenty as the ruling party claimed that the opposition is blocking the benefit meant for the poor, whereas the opposition came forward claiming that the allegations are baseless..!! Anyhow after long contradictions and allegations the food security bill had passed successfully by the UPA government and it is a real milestone in path of their governance.
The Bill is completely an anti-hunger action plan. If it had been launched into action before a couple of years back, it would have changed the scenario of our country entirely. If the hunger of the poor is completely eliminated, it will lead our country to a much better situation economically and globally.
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