Budget 2013 - Food Security & Women

The Finance Minister Sh. P. Chidambaram has set apart an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore, over and above the normal provision for food subsidy, towards the incremental cost that is likely under the National Food Security Act. Presenting the budget of 2013-14 in Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister hoped that the National Food Security Bill will be passed by Parliament as early as possible as Food Security is as much a basic Human Right as the Right to Education or the Right to Health Care. 

Government has taken a number of initiatives and steps supporting such initiatives being taken by non-government organizations to ensure the dignity and safety of women. In the backdrop of incidences of violence against women which challenges liberal and progressive credentials of our country, the Finance Minister Sh. P. Chidambaram pledged to do everything possible to empower women and to keep them safe and secure.

Presenting the Budget 2013-14 in the Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister proposed to set-up Nirbhaya Fund. Citing the multifarious role a woman plays as a child, a young student, sportswoman, homemaker, working woman and the mother who needs their support, the Minister announced that the Government will contribute Rs. 1,000/- crores in this Fund. Shri Chidambaram said that Ministry of Women and Child Development and other ministries concerned will work out the details of the structure, scope and the application of the Fund.