While the government is working overtime to ensure parliamentary ratification of the Food Security Ordinance, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday rolled out the scheme in three states — Delhi, Haryana and Uttarakhand — on the 69th birth anniversary of her late husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The prospect of the ordinance getting endorsed with the passage of the Food Security Bill brightened a bit on Tuesday with the Samajwadi Party indicating its support, though with some conditions, while the JD(U) offered unequivocal support. The SP will push for amendments to protect farmers’ interests, and also to improve its nutritional value by including pulses.
Launching the scheme in Delhi, Mrs Gandhi called it “historic and unparalleled”, while praising the UPA government for bringing “revolutionary changes” in the life of the common man.
She, however, stressed that the struggle wasn’t yet over, and a lot remained to be done. She handed over foodgrain packets and Aadhar-based smart cards to 12 women beneficiaries in Delhi.
“We made the scheme so that nobody remains hungry and no one’s child sleeps hungry. Giving food security on such a large scale is unparalleled,” Mrs Gandhi said at the Talkatora Stadium function, with Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit standing by.