Lok Sabha tonight passed the National Food Security Bill by voice vote. Replying to the debate, Food Minister, Prof. K.V.Thomas assured the Lok Sabha that all constructive suggestions given by the members will be positively considered while implementing the Food Security Law.

The Minister assured the States that foodgrain off take during last three years under the present PDS system will be protected.

Earlier, participating in the discussion on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, UPA Chairperson Mrs Sonia 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.

Terming the bill as incomplete, the main opposition BJP demanded nationwide debate on it before adoption. The party leader, Murali Manohar Joshi said that various provisions regarding the implementation of the Bill are still not clear.

The Samajwadi Party leader, Mulayam Singh Yadav said that the Government should take the opinion of all Chief Ministers as implementation of the Bill lies on the state governments and they have to bear additional financial burden for this.

Initiating the discussion, Prabodh Panda of the CPI alleged that the proposed legislation will adversely affect the poor farmers.