New Delhi, July 14: Setting aside differences within, the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council recommended the rollout of the proposed National Food Security Act in a phased manner in around 160 poorest of the poor districts or blocks, providing 35 kg of grains at Rs 3 per kg to every household.
The NAC has also put aside the government-approved Communal Violence (Prevention, Control & Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill of 2005 and decided to prepare a fresh draft incorporating the concerns of civil society groups.
The NAC said the objective of the draft communal violence Bill was not to empower the state and Central government but to ensure action and accountability of public authorities for the prevention and control of communal and sectarian violence which threatens the physical, social, economic, cultural, political and human security of citizens and the unity and secular fabric of the country.
The NAC said the draft legislation requires provisions to ensure speedy investigation, prosecution and punishment of those engaging in communal and sectarian crimes; the guarantee of the rights of victims and survivors to comprehensive rescue and relief, compensation and reparation.
As for the Food Bill, the NAC agreed that its beneficiaries will also include the urban poor.