Free Food for the Street Children

Leafing through a business newspaper the other day, I came across a refreshing piece of news that I feel must be shared with all.

According to the article in Business Standard, the NAC (National Advisory Council) approved the provision of free food to the destitute and street children through the establishment of community kitchens. Other decisions taken were to improve the existing services provided under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) that run Anganwadis as also the need to start new institutions that will provide free food to the needy. Headed by Sonia Gandhi, the council took this decision as part of the Food Security Bill.

An attempt to bring about a change in the existing state of affairs of food security in the country, I see a small step like this going a long way in shaping India’s future. If properly implemented, this will indeed be a welcome change in the field of child rights implementation. A lot of it depends on the method of procurement, how it proposes to distribute and of course, how much the government is willing to invest.

However, the NAC is sure to take a lot of time in finalising the food security Bill, since this will entail a complete reform of the current PDS (Public Distribution System). I just hope that once it is implemented, the results are a lot more effective and far-reaching than those displayed by earlier such legislations. For this, it is imperative that the public come together and with the help of volunteers, act as watchdogs to make this a reality and ensure that this isn’t just another one of the government’s promises made but forgotten.

Here’s hoping for a brighter future!!


Sonam Chamaria.