Food Security: Demand of time or a political gimmick

Food Security: Demand of time or a political gimmick

Introduction

Food security is one of the key issues that are relevant for India in current times. It is important to ensure that food security is a reality in our country where a large population of urban and rural poor are suffering from malnourishment and starvation. Hunger is not fulfilled by a few promises though. India needs to establish a permanent scheme for ensuring availability of food to marginalized sections of society who are suffering from hunger. The reality is that any single scheme will be inadequate to meet the needs of such a massive population. The scheme needs to be coupled with private sector initiatives as well, if there has to be any lasting change in the welfare and adequate nourishment of marginalized sections of society.

Viewpoint

• It does not matter if bills are political gimmicks. If they can provide even a little relief to the poor sections of society, it would be for the benefit of all. However, any scheme must be implemented with a realistic idea about the needs and requirements of the Indian population. Whether our economy can sustain the scheme should also be an important point for consideration.

• Food security is a vital issue for the welfare of Indians. Many governments have made a good start by promoting food security measures and pro-poor legislation. Where they have failed is the political and economic implications of launching the program. Whether a program or policy will be properly implemented by the local administration is also a big issue.

• Measures such as the recent bill for food security are a start for solving the problem. Subsidized food will be available to pregnant ladies and children below a certain age. Food will be available at cheap rates to nearly 70% of the Indian population. The bill is attempting to solve problems such as inadequate access to subsidized food.

• The disadvantage of any such legislation is the economic pressure created by implementing such a scheme. Inflation is crucial concern nowadays. People are perturbed about the state of the economy. There are lobbies within the political and commercial circles which view any law in terms of its economic ramifications. This is correct given the current economic scenario. Therefore, any legislation should also be examined from the viewpoint of the economic sector to get a good grasp of its implications for the economy.

• Another problem is a crucial reliance on the monsoons and the state of the Indian agriculture. This can be a huge issue if there is scarcity of food grains due to climatic conditions. As global warming is becoming a major factor in influencing the weather, it has become important to consider this angle as well before launching any scheme for food distribution.

• Corruption at the administrative and local levels is a major deterrent in the effective implementation of such schemes. Even if parties want to pass such schemes for gaining political mileage, their goal will not be met. This is because there will be irregularities in the implementation of the scheme due to regional and political issues. Any scheme must be passed only with the complete consensus and agreement of regional parties. Some mechanism for monitoring whether the scheme has been properly implemented should also be there.

• The shaky state of the rupee against the dollar is not inspiring confidence in the markets. Any populist measures can have serious repercussions for the economy as well. This should be considered before any scheme is passed.

Conclusion

Food security is a crucial issue of our times. But any legislation that is passed to ensure it should be examined in terms of its viability and implications for the economy. However, this should not deter successive governments of any party/parties from passing such schemes to ensure the welfare of the poor. Our nation must be well fed and cared for, if we have to attain superpower status.