Right to Food legislation soon: Pranab

The Union government, in a bid to ensure “right to food” for all people, will soon bring in legislation and the bill is under preparation, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said.

Mr. Mukherjee was addressing a public meeting here on Saturday organised by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee to mark the 125th anniversary of the Indian National Congress and the centenary celebrations of the former Minister and Congress leader, C. Subramaniam.

AICC chairperson Sonia Gandhi was keen on ensuring the “entitlements” of the people. Hence, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government had come out with legislation such as the Right to Information Act, the Right to Employment and the Right to Education. “The Right to Food is in the pipeline.” The scheme would ensure provision of wheat at a subsidised rate.

There had been a consistent GDP growth of 9 per cent and tax revenue growth of 12 per cent. “People used to ask me what GDP growth means to the people,” Mr. Mukherjee said. He explained that the growth in GDP alone was the cause for various welfare measures, creation of employment opportunities and extension of reliefs to various sections, including the waiver of loans to the tune of Rs. 70,000 crore, for 4 crore farmers in the country, thus making them debt free.

Mr. Mukherjee said: “Whether in power or not, the Congress is committed to serving the people.” Power was only a tool for the party to serve better and effectively.