Question : IMPACT OF FOOD ACT

(a) the salient features of the proposed Food Security Act;

(b) whether experts have raised concern that the proposed Food Security Act will lead to a spiral in the global food prices and significant increase in food subsidy;

(c) if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto and the manner in which the Government proposes to meet this hike in subsidy;

(d) whether the Government has worked out any strategy to meet the eventuality of decline in production/procurement of foodgrains;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the manner in which the Government proposes to raise funds to meet the expenditure of the said scheme?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) to (f): In pursuance to the announcement made by the President of India in her address to the Joint Session of Parliament on 4th June, 2009, to enact a new law – the National Food Security Act – the Government prepared a Concept Note and had consultations with the Central Ministries/Departments, States/ Union Territories, experts and other stakeholders. Based on their comments/ suggestions and recommendations of National Advisory Council (NAC) and Expert Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Chairman, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, the Government have prepared a draft National Food Security Bill. After consultations with States and Union Territories on the Draft Bill, approval of Government at the appropriate level will be obtained before its introduction in the Parliament.