New feeder lines emerge for food security
President Pratibha Devisinh Patil's articulation of the government’s intention to enact a Food Security Act sends out a categorical signal that the climate is conducive for far-reaching legislation to focus on eliminating hunger.
By ET Bureau |
NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Devisinh Patil���s articulation of the government���s intention to enact a Food Security Act sends out a categorical signal that the climate is conducive for far-reaching legislation to focus on eliminating hunger.
The legislation, the President said, would be used to bring about broader systemic reform in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Also promised were subsidised community kitchens in all cities for homeless people and migrants.
By definition, food security involves every individual gaining physical, economic, social and environmental access to a balanced diet that includes the necessary macro- and micro-nutrients, safe drinking water, sanitation, environmental hygiene, primary healthcare and education to lead a healthy and productive life.
The decision to provide a statutory basis for a framework which assures food security for all was indicated first in March this year through the Congress��� election manifesto. It promised to guarantee every family below the poverty threshold 25 kg of rice or wheat per month at Rs three per kg.
That medium- and long-term food security was a priority for the UPA government was also emphasised by food minister Sharad Pawar last month during his first appearance before the media since assuming charge.
But successfully ensuring food security in the medium and long term can only be possible, said Ashok Gulati of the International Food Policy Research Institute, if the PDS does not have the sole onus for food availability and access to the eligible consumers.
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