NEW DELHI: India’s government approved yesterday a vast food welfare program for the nation’s poorest as it sought to increase its popularity before national elections next year.
“The Cabinet has unanimously approved the food security ordinance,” Food Minister K.V. Thomas told reporters, adding that the measure was sent to India’s president for approval.
President Pranab Mukherjee was due to pass the long-delayed National Food Security Bill as an ordinance, meaning it would come into law immediately but must eventually be approved by Parliament.
The populist program will offer subsidized grains to nearly 70 percent of the country, or more than 800 million people.
It has been pushed strongly by the head of the ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, who has insisted on honoring a 2009 election pledge despite concerns about the impact on the public finances and food prices.
The bill had been expected to be cleared by lawmakers in Parliament in February, but it was never introduced due to protests from the opposition over corruption which repeatedly disrupted proceedings.
Opposition parties have attacked the government for ramming the measure through by decree, saying there has not been enough discussion of its effect on prices and on farmers who must produce more food.
The bill guarantees a monthly supply of between three kilos (seven pounds) and seven kilos of grain per person, depending on their level of income.
India launches massive cheap food plan
