December 3, 2019
Kalyan Banerjee asks a Question on review of standards
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Hon’ble Minister Sir, before the introduction of the National Food Security Act, 2013, everyone was entitled to get subsidised rations. After the 2013 Act came into effect, there is a change in the picture. Only those belonging to the BPL level get the subsidised food materials.
Sir, under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act, powers have been given to the State Government also to make subordinate legislation. Since the operation of the 2013 Act, a good number of citizens have been deprived of the ration articles. Therefore, the State of West Bengal has worked within the control order; amendments are there.
There are two types of ration cards. One type is for the purpose of giving the poor people subsidised ration; the State Government is subsidising the other part. Two things are there – one, central government is providing subsidies to the poor. But if the State Government wants to subsidise the middle class, how can it be implemented? How you can talk about ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’? If the States want to give the benefits, how can you defy that?
And the last letter written by the Hon’ble Food Minister to you regarding dues worth Rs 3000 crore for supplying the crop. What are the answers for that?
