Lok Sabha begins discussing the Food Security Bill. Participating in the discussion, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi appealed to all political parties to extend unanimous support to the National Food Security Bill to ensure its passage in Parliament.

Mrs Gandhi said that the Bill will help wipe out hunger and malnutrition from the country and will send a message to the world that India is capable of looking after the food security of its citizens, particularly the poor.

Moving the Bill for discussion and passage, Food Minister Prof K V Thomas said that around 62 million tonnes of food grains will be required to meet the obligations under the proposed law.

He said the implementation of the law will cost the public exchequer over one lakh 24 thousand crore rupees per year. Initiating the discussion, Prabodh Panda of the CPI alleged that the proposed legislation will adversely affect the poor farmers. The discussion is continuing.