National Food Security Act
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2013:
The State Government is making necessary arrangements for maintaining adequate stock to ensure uninterrupted distribution of rice and wheat on subsidised rates to beneficiaries when the National Food Security Act is implemented in the State.
An official source from the State Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) said that the State Government is taking up different steps to cope with possible hindrances likely to be caused by National Highway bandhs and blockades, bad weather, landslides and dilapidated road condition etc.
Considering all these challenges and hindrances, the Government is planning to ship in as much foodstuff as possible to maintain a large stock during dry season and the situation is viable.
Saying the State is capable to stock 27090 MT of foodstuff at its different godowns, the source said that out of this total capacity, 13090 MT is for Food Corporation of India (FCI) and 14000 MT is owned by the State Government.
In addition to the existing godowns, the Government is also planning to construct godowns at all the district headquarters and renovate the godowns located at some Sub-Divisional headquarters.
Saying that Jiribam, Senapati and Ukhrul districts already have its separate godowns, the source said that construction of godown for Churachandpur district is also nearing completion.
Construction works at Thoubal, Chandel, Imphal East and Bishnupur would also start soon after land acquisition process is completed, the source added.
It added that repairing of smaller godowns having capacity of 200 to 500 MT at Sub-Divisional headquarters is also in progress.
The source further said that the responsibility for shipping in foodstuff for the implementation of the Act would also be given to FCI.
However, the Government is yet to appoint transporters although notice inviting tender for the said purpose has already be issued by NIT according to a ruling of the Supreme Court.
Although, the Centre has directed the States to fully implement the Act from June/July next year, the State Government is set to implement it from May in the State, the source said.