Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja on Tuesday said the Centre will have to concede on crucial and drastic amendments in the Food Security Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament today.
"We have been demanding a very strong effective legislation on Food Security and Right to Food. The Left Parties have conducted a countrywide campaign on this demand. But, the Bill, which has been presented in the Parliament, in its present form with its present content is not acceptable to us. That is why the Left parties have demanded a comprehensive debate in the Parliament. This Bill needs to be drastically amended," Raja said.
"I think the government will have to concede on crucial amendments given by the Left parties and other parties because the Food Security Bill should not lead to food insecurity for the people," he added.
On Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath and Food Minister KV Thomas reportedly met Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who has termed the Food Bill "anti-farmer".
The UPA Government needs the support of Mulayam Singh Yadav's 22 MPs during the vote.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said it would suggest some amendments in the Food Security Bill before getting it passed in both houses.
The Left Front had earlier moved a resolution opposing the Bill, which has been supported by the AIADMK-led by J. Jayalalithaa.
K.V. Thomas earlier on August 7 introduced National Food Security Bill in Lok Sabha today to replace the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 which was promulgated on July 5.
The National Food Security Bill is a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people. It gives right to the people to receive adequate quantity of foodgrains at affordable prices. The Bill has special focus on nutritional support to poorest of the poor, women and children.
In case of non-supply of foodgrains now people will get Food Security Allowance. The bill provides for grievance redressal mechanism and penalty for non compliance by public servant or authority.
