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The Group of Ministers (GoM) has approved the draft of the Integrated Food Law. In its last meeting held here today, the GoM approved the draft unanimously. The meeting was presided over by the Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar. It was attended by the Commerce Minister, Shri Kamal Nath, the Health Minister, Shri Anbumani Ramadoss and the Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Subodh Kant Sahay. Secretaries of the concerned Ministries were also present. The draft law will now be vetted by the Law Secretary and also circulated in the concerned Ministries for their opinion. Finally, it will be sent for Cabinet approval. Then the legislation will be introduced in Parliament for enactment.
Soon after the meeting Shri Subodh Kant Sahay said it is a great day. The draft law was overdue. The Prime Minister had given the GoM mandate to draft the proposed legislation by May, 2005. The goal has been achieved much earlier. Shri Sahay was hopeful that the Bill will be enacted in Parliament’s resumed Budget session beginning on April 18, 2005.
Attempts for an integrated food law were initiated in 2002. But there was no decision in the four meetings that were held since then. After the present Government came to office, the move was revived in November, 2004. Its concrete outcome materialised today. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries will administer the law.
SMK/ls
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