The government has decided to redraft the National Food Security Bill to keep an option open for supplying more than three kilograms of subsidized foodgrains to general households in case of increased output.

Speaking to media, Food Minister K V Thomas said, after receiving public comments and views of state governments on the draft Food Bill, the Centre has decided to make some changes while finalising the Bill.

In the present form of draft Food Bill, the Food Ministry has proposed that the government would supply 3 kilograms of rice and wheat per person per month, falling under general households category at a price not exceeding 50 per cent of the Minimum Support Price, MSP.

The draft National Food Security Bill seeks to provide a legal entitlement to subsidised foodgrains to 75 per cent of the country's rural population and 50 per cent of urban India. The Minister said, the government has decided to remove the condition of extending benefits to general households only in states where the Public Distribution System, PDS, is modernised. Mr Thomas said, the cash-handout of 1,000 rupees per month for six months to pregnant and lactating women would be extended to the entire country instead of 52 districts.