New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday the Food Security Law -- promised by the Congress in its election manifesto -- is under formulation and a draft would be released for public debate. Singh, however, did not give any time frame for enactment of the law to provide cheap food to the poor.
The PM while releasing the report card for the UPA-2 government that completed one year in office, graded his ministers, saying the government remains committed on the two pronged strategy for the Naxal-hit areas -- development as well as strong action against the rebels.
On the proposed food Bill, the government intends to provide 25 kg of rice or wheat at Rs 3 a kg to people below poverty line (BPL). A Group of Ministers is working out the details to make it another flagship programme of the UPA after the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
"The Food Security Bill is under preparation and it is proposed to place it (draft) in the public domain for scrutiny and wider consultation," the Prime Minister said.
Consultations have been held on the proposed Bill with states and union territories and other stakeholders.
Singh also said that the UPA government is committed to giving priority to the agriculture sector. "Agriculture and the well being of India's farmers will receive priority attention."
Highlighting the achievements, the report card of the first year of the UPA government said, "The nation faced a severe drought in 2009. The government approved assistance amounting to Rs 4,806 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to help mitigate the effects of the drought".
Almost half of the country was affected by last year's drought-- the worst since 1972 -- resulting into a massive production loss of foodgrains, which dipped to 218.19 million tonnes in 2009-10 from 234.47 million tonnes a year-ago.
"Various measures were taken to deal with the (drought) situation...The impact of drought on crop production was mitigated," the report said.
Introduction of nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) policy for all fertilisers other than urea and cheap farm credit were other major highlights of last year. NBS aims to balance use of fertiliser and ensuring soil health.
During April 2009 to January 2010 period, farm credit worth Rs 2.66 lakh crore was disbursed. The target for the entire last fiscal was Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
Successes of the UPA-II Govt
steering economy through the worst global economic crisis in decades
India 7.5 to 8% growth in 2008-2010 when most global economies contracted
legislation on food security
right to free and compulsory education for children from 6-14 years
unified goods and services tax (GST)
new Direct Tax Code
NREGA and Unique ID project
opened up education to foreign players
Women's Reservation Bill passed in Rajya Sabha
Challenges for the Govt
no clear strategy yet to deal with Naxal violence
financial sector reforms yet to take off fully
lapses in several states in implementation of NREGA, Forest Rights Act and RTI
ministers speaking out of turn has sullied the image of government
the Congress has had to compromise with allies in order to get crucial Bills passed in Parliament
rising food prices and inflation key areas of concern
the Opposition attacks for not sacking telecom minister A Raja despite allegations of corruption in the allocation of 2G spectrum
the PM's efforts to promote peace with Pakistan at Sharm el-Sheikh was widely criticised.
Opinion poll:
While 61 per cent people describe the prime minister as speedy and purposeful, 37 per cent felt that he managed nation's economy well and 39 per cent felt that the PM failed to control ministries responsible for controlling food prices and inflation.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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