New Delhi: The cabinet may take up the draft National Food Security Bill on Sunday, Food Minister KV Thomas said.
"The cabinet is likely to take up the bill Sunday for a more threadbare discussion," Thomas told on Wednesday, even as Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said that states must be taken on board on the crucial legislation.
The cabinet had on Tuesday deferred a decision on the draft bill, after some members, including Pawar, raised concerns over the high subsidy involved.
Government sources said that allies have to be taken on board on the issue.
Pawar said the opinion of some states needs to be taken before the draft bill is approved.
"This is a serious issue. Its implementation is a big responsibility for the state governments," he said, adding "a final discussion on the issue will take place in the next 8-10 days."
The food bill is a pet project of Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council and formed part of the promise ahead of the 2009 general elections.
The proposed right to food law will cover 75 per cent of the rural and 50 per cent of the urban population.
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