National Food Security Bill estimates subsidy of Rs 1.23 lakh crore for FY14

23 Apr 2013 Evaluate

The National Food Security Bill (NFSB), aimed at providing legal entitlement to food to around 67 percent of the population, is likely to cost around Rs 1.23 lakh crore to the government. Finance Minister, in the budget estimates, has allocated Rs 77,740 crore as food subsidy for FY14 and kept Rs 10,000 crore over the normal food subsidy, towards the incremental cost.

Meanwhile, Food minister KV Thomas said that as per the provision of the bill, an estimated annual requirement of food-grain at 2011 population levels is 60.74 million tonnes and the corresponding estimated food subsidy at 2013-14 costs is about Rs 1,23,084 crore. However, the actual requirement would depend upon the final shape of the Bill and the time by which NFSB comes into force, he added.

The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in December, 2011. The standing committee on food, consumer affairs and public distribution had submitted its report on proposed bill, which was examined by the government in consultation with the states and UTs based on which the government proposes to move some amendment to it. The proposed amendments in the bill are mainly aimed at providing a simpler framework and more flexibility to the states besides lowering their financial burden.

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