New Delhi: The proposed food security law may attract penal action at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a possible breach of the subsidy cap allowed under these rules, prompting the government to seek an amendment to the norms.

Although a proposal from the G-33, spearheaded by Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Philippines and India, had already been moved in the run-up to the ministerial meeting in Bali in December, the proposed food security legislation has increased the urgency.

In a departure from its stated stand on the Food Security Bill, the Samajwadi Party Tuesday said it is "totally opposed" to the proposed legislation as it is "anti-farmer".

Nobel laureate upset at disruption of Parliament by Opposition

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen is upset that disruption of Parliament has held up passage of important legislation including the UPA’s flagship National Food Security Bill. He feels that if the Bill is not passed — even if without amendments — several hundred children will go hungry or die from under-nutrition. The Bill has been criticised as “limited” and “targeted” by activists such as Jean Dreze and Kavita Srivastava, who on Monday shared the dais with Prof. Sen to advocate its passage albeit with changes.

Bill represents a shift from welfare-based approach to a rights-based one:Food Minister

Amid the Opposition uproar in the Lok Sabha over allegations of corruption in the UPA government, the National Food Security Bill was taken up for consideration on Monday. When, after frequent disruptions, the House reassembled at 3 p.m., Girija Vyas, who was in the Chair, announced that the House would take up for further consideration the motion moved by Food Minister K.V. Thomas on May 2.

The Centre on Friday revised its foodgrains production estimate upwards by 5.22 million tonnes for 2012-13 over earlier expectation on account of higher output of rice, wheat and coarse cereals.

The total foodgrains output is now estimated at 255.36 million tonnes with wheat production pegged at 93.62 million tonnes and rice at 104.22 million tonnes.

The practice is passing bills after discussion. Let’s see what can be worked out: Sandeep Dikshit

The government on Thursday tabled the food guarantee bill in the Lok Sabha, amid ruckus created by the Opposition which has prevented the functioning of Parliament demanding the resignation of the prime minister. Food minister KV Thomas, who piloted the bill, and other government leaders conceded the passage of the bill would be difficult in the face of the logjam, but there was expectation in Congress that it could give the party a talking point.

As the logjam in Parliament is expected to continue further with escalated rift between the government and the Opposition, the Centre is now mooting the idea of bringing an ordinance to implement t

The Punjab Government is considering reducing taxes on both wheat and basmati in certain thrust areas to make diversification a reality in the state besides giving a fillip to the food processing industry.

Sources said the Food Processing Department had made a proposal for doing away with a majority of the taxes on durum wheat and basmati meant for export and processing purposes.

New Delhi: To enhance accountability for those in food business, Delhi government is all set to make it mandatory for them to seek registration, procure a licence from the department or face penalty.

According to the proposed policy, any food vendor, inclusive of roadside eateries, restaurants, hotels and food processors, with a turnover of up to Rs 12 lakh a year has to register themselves with the government. Those with larger turnover will have to obtain licence from the government.