Indian government has launched a $22 billion welfare scheme to give cheap food to 70 per cent of country’s population.

New Delhi, July 4/Nationalturk – With an eye on parliamentary elections to be held in May 2104, Indian government has launched a $22 billion welfare scheme to give cheap food to 70 per cent of country’s population.

“The cabinet unanimously approved the food security ordinance yesterday. The ordinance would be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee for clearance,” Indian Food Minister KV Thomas said.

The Indian government has sidestepped a debate on the scheme in the parliament fearing criticism from opposition.

After clearance from President, the scheme has to be approved by parliament within six weeks of its next session.

With the passage of the ordinance in parliament, India will join select league of countries in the world that guarantee majority of its population foodgrains.

‘Annual food subsidy spending of India will rise by 45%’

The ambitious scheme will raise the annual food subsidy spending in India by 45 per cent.  The scheme promises subsidized food to some 810 million people, expanding current handouts to roughly 318 million people. Country’s two-third population will now get the right to get 5 kgs of foodgrains every month at highly subsidised rates of Rs 1-3 per kg.

According to UN figures, India is home to a quarter of world’s hungry poor despite the country being one of world’s biggest food producers.

Officials said the ordinance will be presented to the President Pranab Mukherjee today. “Once the president clears it, rules will be framed. The programme will be rolled-out from August after state governments prepare the beneficiary list”.

They said the scheme will take at least six months to cover the entire country.

Political observers said that Congress-led government by approving food security bill has eyed 2014 general elections. “The party knows that launching of these kind of schemes will increase popularity of party and can help Congress to regain power for third consecutive term.”

“Congress leaders know that any political party cannot dare to oppose the bill as the party would be labeled as an “anti-poor” by people, thus affecting their victory chances  in 2014 general elections”.

Opposition from BJP

The opposition rightwing party BJP has criticized Indian government for passing the ordinance without seeking consent from parliament.

“The Congress-led UPA government in India was just doing a political gimmick in a hurry before 2014 general elections. The Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament) election is near. The Congress-led government is taking populist measures and Food Security Bill is one of them,” BJP president Rajnath Singh told reporters in Guwahati in Indian State of Assam.

Stating that his party wants a debate on the bill, he said, “It (food safety bill) has some lacunae. We want to pass it with some modifications in Parliament. We want a debate on this”.

Write your comments and thoughts below

Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk India News

[adrotate banner=”41″]