Centre to develop a mechanism to share the additional cost on the Food Security Bill with the states. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Food and Public Distribution Minister K V Thomas expressed confidence that there will be no financial strains with the implementation of this bill.

The minister said that from the proposed 75 percent of the rural population covered under the bill; at least 46 percent will be priority house holds from weaker sections.

From 50 percent of the urban population, at least 28 percent will be priority households. Mr. Thomas said that government will provide nutritional meals for the children while 1000 rupees for six months to the pregnant women.

The Food Security Bill was approved by the cabinet on Sunday. It is likely to be introduced in the ongoing session of Parliament.