New Delhi: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched the Central government’s historic Food Security Scheme in New Delhi on Tuesday. The launch of the programme coincides with the birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
While addressing a huge gathering at Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor stadium, the Congress President assured that UPA Government would ensure that the right people get the benefits and that there are no flaws in the distribution process.
"The guarantee of food provided by food security scheme on such a large scale is unparalleled in the world," said
Sonia Gandhi adding, “The nation still has people who don't get food to eat, and added that children suffer from malnutrition. “We have people who still don't get food and there are children who are malnourished. We decided to bring this scheme so that every poor gets food and no child sleeps without food," said the UPA Chairperson.
“We know that there are short-comings in the existing PDS system and hence, the focus of the new Food Security Bill is to reform the PDS system so that the benefits reach more people and there is no scope for any corruption and malpractices. Through Aadhar we will ensure that there is no scope for corruption in the Food Security scheme” assured Sonia Gandhi.
The Congress President also informed that two third of the population will be legally entitled to receive highly subsidized food grains. “About 80 crore people will be benfitted by this landmark scheme. 75% of the people in the rural areas and 50% in the urban areas will have the benefit of this scheme. This scheme ensures legally, nutritious meals to pregnant women,” said Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi praised Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for her efforts for implementing the scheme and also for transforming the infrastructure in the national capital, saying that Delhi is no longer the same as it used to be 15 years ago.
“Our duty is to serve the people and this should continue to be our motto always. Renewing this pledge will be the best ever tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary” concluded the Congress President. Sonia Gandhi She gave away food security ration cards to beneficiaries along with a 5 kg packet of rice.
The National Food Security Bill is a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people. It gives a right to the people to receive adequate quantity of foodgrains at affordable prices. The Bill has a special focus on nutritional support to the poorest of the poor, women and children. In case of non-supply of foodgrains, the deprived will get a food security allowance.
Full text of Mrs.
Sonia Gandhi’s speech
Today is the birth anniversary of Sh. Rajiv Gandhi. He had a dream; he had vision; he had an aim – a strong, happy and modern India. He had, therefore, travelled across the country, visited every nook and corner and interacted with the poor people to closely understand their problems. Throughout his life, he put in all possible efforts to bring in positive changes in the lives of the poor. His farsighted vision for nation building and for the welfare of common people will continue to inspire us.
The UPA Government at the centre has been trying its level best to fulfil the dreams of Rajiv Gandhi by adopting various measures to bring revolutionary changes in the lives of the common man. The central government has taken various steps for the upliftment and welfare of every section of the people across the country. Many state governments have implemented the Central polices promptly and effectively and as a result the benefits could reach the people and it helped my brothers and sisters there to be confident and self reliant.
We know that there is no end and we should continue with our good works. Our country still has people who don't get food to eat and there are children who are malnourished. We decided to bring this scheme so that every poor gets food, no child sleeps without food and no one should suffer from malnutrition.
The guarantee of food provided by food security scheme on such a large scale is unparalleled in the world. Two third of the population will be legally entitled to receive highly subsidized food grains. About 80 crore people will be benfitted by this landmark scheme. 75% of the people in the rural areas and 50% in the urban areas can avail the benefit of this scheme. This scheme ensures legally, nutritious meals to pregnant women.
We know that there are short-comings in the existing PDS system and hence, the focus of the new Food Security Bill is to reform the PDS system so that the benefits reach to more people and there is no scope for any corruption and malpractices. Through Aadhar we will ensure that there is no scope for corruption in the Food Security scheme.
I am very happy for the fact that the responsibility to effectively run the PDS has been given to Self Help Groups of women and Gram Panchayats. I am confident that this move will help my sisters to become more self-reliant, confident and will ensure them more respect in the society.
I am also happy that Delhi Government is launching the historic Food Security scheme today. And the beneficiaries in Delhi will start availing subsidized food grains under this scheme from Sept 1. I am confident that the Delhi government will be successful in the effective and proper implementation of this scheme.
Friends, you have witnessed how Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and her colleagues changed the face of Delhi in a commendable manner in the past 15 years. What was Delhi before 15 years and now what is the situation, anyone can compare. Her government has implemented various schemes and policies which transformed the life of the people; The Metro – the life line of Delhi – has been attracting the attention and appreciation of everyone who comes to Delhi. Further the Congress government in Delhi has always felt the pain of the common man and also has taken various steps to solve their problems. We can proudly claim that the revolutionary changes that took place in Delhi are unparalleled.
Finally, I take this opportunity to congratulate Sheila Dixit and her colleagues and all her staff for implementing various pro-poor measures in Delhi and specially for launching this Food Security scheme and I also hope that her government will continue with her good works.
Our duty is to serve the people and this should continue to be our motto always. Renewing this pledge will be the best ever tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary.
