Food security: SC raps Centre, States: 

Food security: SC raps Centre, States: 

 Context:

The food security law should quell the hunger of those below the poverty line the Supreme Court says

Introduction:

•  According to the Supreme Court judgment, State Food Commission set up under the National Food Security Act in Haryana, has been sitting “jobless” and “without proper infrastructure”.
•  The judgment by a Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and N.V. Ramana listed nine other States- Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh.
•   These states came under its scanner for their damp response to the food security law meant to quell the hunger pangs of millions of poor families, women and children living below the poverty line.

Judicial remarks:

• Referring to Article 256 of the Constitution, the judgment said that “Government of India cannot plead helplessness in requiring State Governments to implement parliamentary laws.
•  Justice Ramana focused on the spirit of co-operative federalism unique to the Indian democracy. Justice Ramana exhorted the executive powers to bridge the growing gap between the Centre and State governments.

Directions from SC:

•  The SC directed the government to frame rules and designate independent officials from a grievance redressal mechanism under the Act within a year.
• It directed the states to set up State Food Commissions and vigilance committees in every state by the end of the year and set up social audit machinery.

Background:

In a series of direction, the court ordered the Secretary in the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to meet with State Chief Secretaries by August 31 and brainstorm ways and means to implement the food security law.

Rules framework:

• The court directed the government to frame rules and designate independent officials for a grievance redressal mechanism under the Act within a year.
•   It directed the states to set up State Food Commissions and vigilance committees in every state by the end of the year and set up social audit machinery.

National Food Security Bill:

The National Food Security Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received the assent of the President on September 10, 2013.