The Union Cabinet cleared the National Food Security Bill to provide food grains at subsidised price under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Around 67 per cent population including 75 per cent rural and 50 per cent urban population will be benefited if the Bill is passed in Parliament.

The government is trying to introduce the bill in Parliament before Friday in the ongoing Budget session. The Cabinet also accepted 71 amendments proposed by the Food Ministry.

As per the revised bill, the beneficiary identified by the States will be entitled to get 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs. 3, 2 and Re. 1 per kg a month. The Bill also says that the 2.43 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojna beneficiary households will continue to get their quota of 35 kg grains a month under the TPDS.