The Food Ministry today said that the consultation process on the crucial National Food Security Bill of the Government is almost over and the draft Bill will be presented to the Cabinet by November 20.

“I propose to finish all the work and bring the draft National Food Security Bill to the Cabinet before November 20,” the Food and Consumer Affairs Minister, Mr K.V. Thomas, told reporters.

“Consultation process is almost over and we have got the views of almost all the state governments except Andhra Pradesh,” the Minister said while giving details on the progress of the crucial legislation.

Mr Thomas had last Saturday discussed the National Food Security legislation with the UPA Chairperson, Ms Sonia Gandhi. The proposed Bill aims to provide the right to subsidised foodgrains to nearly 70 per cent of the country’s population.

He had told Ms Gandhi that the Food Ministry will start finalising the draft Bill next week.

“We have received feedback from state governments. There are some changes. We will start preparing the final Bill next week,” Mr Thomas had told Ms Gandhi.

The Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, had asked the states to send their comments on the draft Bill at the earliest to help the Government finalise the Bill for introduction in the Winter Session of Parliament.

Earlier, the Bill, which was expected to be tabled in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, was deferred for detailed consultations with the state governments.

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