The Rajya Sabha passed the Food Security Bill last night after 10-hour-long debate. The bill was already passed by Lok Sabha last week. The bill will now go to President Pranab Mukherjee for his formal assent. A statutory resolution seeking to disapprove the ordinance promulgated on July 5, was also passed.

The bill was passed by a voice vote. Despite many reservations, the BJP supported the Food Security Bill. Like Lok Sabha, all the amendments moved by the opposition, were rejected. The bill is seen as a gamechanger for the Congress in 2014, as it would provide cheap food to 82 crore people of the country.

The Food Security Bill will cost the exchequer Rs 1.25 lakh crore per annum. The bill will guarantee 5 kg of rice, wheat and coarse cereals per month per person at Rs 3, 2, 1, respectively.