Food Security Bill: India can feed its people, says Sonia Gandhi

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday said the Food Security Bill could lessen the sufferings of brothers and sisters across the nation.

Zee Media Bureau/Deepak Nagpal

New Delhi: Pitching for the Food Security Bill in Parliament, UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday said the legislation could lessen the sufferings of brothers and sisters across the nation. Taking part in the debate on Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha, Sonia said, "We had promised food security in 2009. I am happy to announce we are fulfilling that promise." Noting the House "today has an opportunity to take a historic step", Sonia called on the Opposition to set aside differences and pass the Bill. It is an opportunity to ensure that no child is malnourished in the country, she added. "Some people ask - do we have the resources for such a legislation? I would like to say, the question is not about resources; we will have to manage resources for this. "The question is not if we can do this; we have to do this," the Congress chief told lawmakers in the Lower House. Stating that agriculture and farmers are the UPA government`s top priority, Sonia called for a system wherein public distribution system (PDS) works equally well in all states. Sonia said the Food Security Bill will make authorities accountable, help bring down corruption and improve the system. "Our goal in the near future should be to wipe out hunger and malnutrition," she announced, adding it is time to tell the country and the world that India can feed its people. The Congress leader said the UPA government is open to suggestions on Food Bill. "We will learn as we proceed," she noted.