New Delhi, Aug 30 (IANS) The National Advisory Council (NAC) Monday discussed the proposals made by its working group on the food security bill and decided to wait for the government’s response before giving shape to its suggestions.
The meeting, presided over by United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, also discussed the progress in redrafting the communal violence bill.
Harsh Mander, convenor of NAC’s working group on the food security bill, briefed the members about the proposals which highlight various components of the proposed legislation.
The proposals deal with inclusive and enhanced Public Distribution System (PDS) and its reforms, child and maternal nutrition and special programmes for destitute and vulnerable groups.
Official sources said the meeting decided to wait for the government’s response to the proposals.
They said that among the issues being examined about the proposed food security bill include the scope of the increasing the quantity of foodgrains per month to entitled families from 25 kg per month to 35 kg and also the prices.
There is also a debate whether the proposed law should have a universal approach or should be aimed at the below poverty line population.
The NAC’s working group on the communal violence bill has constituted a drafting committee and an advisory group. Farah Naqvi, convenor of the working group, apprised the members of the status of re-drafting of the bill.
The NAC has created a dedicated email ID for citizens’ submissions which can be accessed from its website.
The next meeting of the NAC is scheduled to be held on Sep 24.
