National Food Security Bill deciphered

New Delhi: Congress Party's dream project, the National Food Security Bill (NFSB) at last made its way through Lok Sabha. The much discussed NFSB promises to provide right for food to 67 percent of Indian population costing the government Rs 1.3 lakh crore from the national treasury per year.It is speculated that amidst the vast failure of government's economic policy and measures to curb inflation the food security bill would play the role of a gamechanger in 2014 Lok Sabha elections for the ruling party. But only time can crack the puzzle that if the NFSB really turns out to be a ``historic step towards eradicating poverty'', as Sonia Gandhi says.For the time being let's throw some light on the key points of the bill and try to decipher Congress party's latest stroke towards achieving a hat-trick in power.Firstly, the bill classifies the population into two major groups; the Antyodaya Anna Yojna (AAP) group and the excluded group. The excluded group comprises of 25 percent of the rural and 50 percent of the urban population.Pregnant women and children also included in the recipients' list.The amount of food to be distributed will be based on these groups. The AAY group receives 35kg foodgrains per family per month. Others will receive 5kg foodgrains per month per family.The number of persons to be benefited under the NFSB will be determined by the center in each state. Once the number of people in each state is known, Centre will allot food supply to the state. The exceptions introduced to the supply of food are defined by the bill as situation of war, drought, earthquake etc.The foodgrain supply will be taken care by the center. It will be made sure by the center that each state receives its food supply at the pre-decided central depot. Further, the responsibility to transport the foodgrains to the ration shops will be transferred to the state government. In case the foodgrain supply falls short, Centre will provide cash to the state which will be given to the people entitled to receive the benefits.Audits and vigilance committees will be set up to at both district and state level to overlook the proper implementation of the schemes under food bill. Setting up of grievance cells is also a part of the NFSB.