Food Security Bill and the black market

The much talked about food security bill has been cleared by the Union Cabinet. In the next couple of days the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's pet project will be introduced in Parliament. And chances are high that it would get the green signal. The move that seeks to provided subsidised food to some 62.5 per cent of India's total population has been made to blunt Team Anna's anti-graft movement. Also, it has come at a time when the Congress is girding up for a big battle in Uttar Pradesh that goes to votes early next year.

It is understood that this will help the Congress to set its image right of a party of the poor. But at the same time the bill will have an impact on the exchequer with a subsidy burden touching Rs 21,000 crore. Under the scheme, rice will be provided at Rs 3, wheat at Rs 2 and coarse grains at Rs 1 per kg.

But the big question is: Will this help in checking black market where foods are sold for higher prices? It is here that the government needs to work on. For parity in distribution of food authorities should find out ways to have control over food prices. Until this is not done the bill despite being implemented will just be on paper.

Even today foods are cheap at ration shops. But only a few people are able to avail it as quality foods are sold in the black market. And thus people end up getting poor quality food and at times useless stuff.