It is apparent that despite the persisting food insecurity of the bulk of the population and the near-emergency with respect to the nutrition of children, women and other vulnerable groups, the Government of India is still not taking the job of ensuring universal food security with sufficient seriousness. Its attitude towards meeting its 2009 election promise of legislating a comprehensive Food Security Act is an example of this lack of seriousness. Political and social mobilisation around this issue, to make it a resonant demand that cannot be ignored, is therefore essential.