The National Advisory Council (NAC) on Friday promised to look into the concerns expressed by the deputy chairperson of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who made a presentation on the Food Security Bill, 2010 and its financial implications. Till the matter is looked into, the NAC will hold discussions with the concerned ministries to arrive at a final decision on the matter, according to sources.
The Planning Commission has been at odds with the NAC and had recommended a targeted public distribution system (TDPS), rather than a universal one, as recommended by the NAC. The swelling Bill for food subsidy, which is expected to touch Rs 1, 90,000 crore if the NAC?s recommendations are implemented, was the driving force behind Ahluwalia?s presentation. NAC chairperson Sonia Gandhi?s view on the matter is not yet clear, but sources in the agriculture ministry say they have received a report by NAC members with rather ?liberal? suggestions.
As reported by FE earlier, the Plan panel?s proposals are aim to reduce the burden on the exchequer from the proposed food security law. Ahluwalia has proposed that grain for above-poverty-line (APL) families be sold at a much higher price than that for BPL families.
He has also asked for per capita allotment of grain (6 kg), which differs from the NAC?s proposal of providing 35 kg of grain for each entitled family.
?Today?s presentation was an attempt at a reality check on the NAC, as far as the Food Security bill is concerned,? said a source. ?The concern is not only over how much money will be needed, but whether the Indian system is compatible with the levels of procurement required for universal PDS,? another source added.
An NAC member told FE that Ahluwalia?s presentation was ?heard in silence? by members. The sub committee looking into the Bill, headed by activist Harsh Mander, promised that a view would be taken on it in the next NAC meeting.