While launching the ambitious Food Security Scheme in the Capital, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday expressed hope that the Delhi Government would continue to work for the welfare and upliftment of the poor and others to fulfill the mission of ‘service to people’.
“I am happy that the Delhi Government is implementing the historical programme. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will get food grains from September 1. I am confident that the Delhi Government will succeed in implementing the scheme,” Gandhi said.
During the launch, the Congress president also handed over the new National Food Security Cards to 12 female heads of eligible families and a five kg packet of food grain to each.
lauding the scheme, Gandhi stated that the implementation would make women self-reliant and more empowered, apart from providing them an honourable place in the society. She also mentioned that the Delhi Metro said it has become the life-line of the national Capital.
“The Delhi Government has ensured a better quality of life by improving basic amenities; particularly the Metro. Such initiatives of Sheila Dikshit have been praised by all,” said Gandhi.
“I praise Sheila Dikshit and her Ministers for pro-people initiatives. The struggle for progress of people should always continue. Public service should be our religion and aim, and there should be no let-up in it. This would be the real tribute to Rajiv Gandhi,” she said.
“We made the (Food Security) scheme so that nobody remains hungry in the country and no one’s child sleeps hungry. Providing food security in such a large scale is unparalleled in the world,” she said.
While Gandhi refrained from attacking the Opposition, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Union Food Minister KV Thomas slammed them for obstructing the passage of the Bill in the Parliament. Dikshit also took potshot at the Opposition parties saying they have a habit of opposing to all good initiatives of the Government.
“The Opposition is not allowing the passage of the Bill, but Congress is committed to pass it,” said Dikshit adding that the scheme provides for empowering wom
en as under the provision the right to food is given to a family through the woman head.