By IANS,
New Delh: The Congress Monday said there were no differences between the party and government on the national food security bill and both were working for the “most virtuous coverage” of the needy people.
Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters here that the bill was a revolutionary step and a legislation with pioneering scope. “Inputs from all sections should be welcomed,” he said.
He said there was no division of opinion between the government and the party on the issue. “We will all join hands and try to push the best blueprint. We are on the same page and will make the page clearer,” he said.
“Just like the doubting Thomases of NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) fell silent, they are going to be silent (about the food security bill),” he said.
Asked about the need for the empowered group of ministers (eGOM) taking a fresh look at the draft bill Monday, Singhvi said the attempt was to have the widest consultation.
Congress sources said the party was keen to enhance foodgrain entitlement of below poverty line families to 35 kg per month as against 25 kg suggested in the draft bill.
They said the eGOM also has to decide on a definition of poverty.
The sources said the party would like the bill to be as comprehensive as possible but it also has to “marry with the budget.”
The National Advisory Council headed by Sonia Gandhi is also expected to give its inputs to the government on the bill.