In an attempt to send a strong message that it is serious in legislative business, the government on Thursday introduced amendments to the landmark Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha, amid disruptions of proceedings by the Opposition over the killing of Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan and other issues.
Food Minister K V Thomas moved amendments to the National Food Security Bill, which was originally introduced in Parliament in December 2011, but no discussion on it could take place as the Opposition led by the BJP persisted with protests over Sarabjit Singh’s death.
The cause was also not helped as other members raised issues like Chinese incursion and coal allocation scam, forcing adjournment of the House for the day.
Food Minister K V Thomas told reporters that the government was confident of the passage of Bill in Parliament though the Opposition parties have threatened to continue with the disruption of the House till Law minister Ashwani Kumar resigns in connection with the Supreme Court observation on coal probe.
If the Bill failed to get passed in the current session, the government might promulgate an ordinance to implement the scheme and reintroduce the Bill in the monsoon session, government surces told Deccan Herald.
The proposed Food Bill aims to provide legal right over subsidised foodgrain to 67 per cent of the population. Over 55 amendments have been proposed in the Bill.