With the proposed Food Security Act being lobbed back and forth between the government, the Congress leadership and the National Advisory Council, the apex court’s order dented UPA’s pro-poor image. It might have been lucky that the order coincided with the Assembly election result dazzle.
The Food Security Act — a poll promise of Congress —is meant to provide subsidized grains to the poor. For UPA, it’s the flagship ‘pro-poor’ scheme in its second tenure. But the dithering within and a strong view in the government that ‘fiscal prudence’ is of the highest priority allowed the courts to order what could easily have been Congress’ first ‘gift’ to the poor.
The petitioners had asked for complete universalization of public distribution system in the 150 poorest districts of the country — a proposal NAC too had mooted as a step down from its earlier demand for complete universalization, but still hit a stonewall with the Planning Commission and PMO.
The bench hearing the case did not oblige the petitioners in entirety but its order clearly suggested which side the apex court had leaned. "It is absolutely imperative in the larger public interest to direct the respondent — the Union of India — to reserve another 5 million tonnes of foodgrains for distribution to the 150 poorest districts or the extremely poor and vulnerable sections of our society," the court said.
"It is impossible for an individual in an urban area to consume 2,100 calories in Rs 20 and an individual in a rural area to consume 2,400 calories in Rs 15. The Planning Commission may revise norms of per capita amount looking to the price index of May 2011 or any other subsequent dates," it added.