Lucknow:
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has lent her support to the Food Security Bill, saying she supports the legislation in 'principle'. However, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister added that she is not in favour of the Centre's decision of bringing the scheme into effect through an ordinance.
"We are in favour of the food security bill in principle. We are not against it. Poor people should get food at subsidised rates. But the manner in which it has been brought through an ordinance, that is not right. Had the government brought the bill in Parliament and a debate would have happened, then it would have been better. However, better late than never," Mayawati said today.
Earlier this month, the government rushed through an ordinance that has to be now ratified within six weeks of its tabling in Parliament. Mayawati's support to be bill in Parliament may be crucial for the government. Sources say the UPA may also be able to garner the support of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati's political rival from Uttar Pradesh. Both Mayawati and Mr Yadav are essential for the survival of the fragile ruling coalition. Both do not participate in the government but provide external support, rescuing the government in important votes in Parliament.
The food security programme is a Rs. 1.25 lakh crore welfare scheme that aims to give cheap food to nearly 70 per cent of the population, and has been planned as a centre-piece of the ruling Congress party's plan to win a third term in power. The ambitious scheme, championed by party president Sonia Gandhi, will raise the annual food subsidy spending by 45 per cent. Under the scheme, rice will be available at Rs. 3 a kilogram, and wheat at Rs. 2 a kilogram. The monthly supply ranges from three to seven kilograms per person, depending on their level of income.
Fourteen Congress-led states are expected to roll out the ambitious food security scheme from August 20, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet the party's state chiefs today to discuss the scheme.
"We are in favour of the food security bill in principle. We are not against it. Poor people should get food at subsidised rates. But the manner in which it has been brought through an ordinance, that is not right. Had the government brought the bill in Parliament and a debate would have happened, then it would have been better. However, better late than never," Mayawati said today.
Earlier this month, the government rushed through an ordinance that has to be now ratified within six weeks of its tabling in Parliament. Mayawati's support to be bill in Parliament may be crucial for the government. Sources say the UPA may also be able to garner the support of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati's political rival from Uttar Pradesh. Both Mayawati and Mr Yadav are essential for the survival of the fragile ruling coalition. Both do not participate in the government but provide external support, rescuing the government in important votes in Parliament.
The food security programme is a Rs. 1.25 lakh crore welfare scheme that aims to give cheap food to nearly 70 per cent of the population, and has been planned as a centre-piece of the ruling Congress party's plan to win a third term in power. The ambitious scheme, championed by party president Sonia Gandhi, will raise the annual food subsidy spending by 45 per cent. Under the scheme, rice will be available at Rs. 3 a kilogram, and wheat at Rs. 2 a kilogram. The monthly supply ranges from three to seven kilograms per person, depending on their level of income.
Fourteen Congress-led states are expected to roll out the ambitious food security scheme from August 20, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet the party's state chiefs today to discuss the scheme.
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