State FCI will be made full-fledged: Paswan
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 15 2015:
Union Minister for Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan has assured that he will take up necessary steps to make the FCI regional office in Imphal operational in a full-fledged manner.
The minister made the statement on Sunday while speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of two food storage depots held at the Regional Office of FCI, Old Assembly Complex.
The depots are being set up at Sawombung in Imphal East district and Bishnupur.
Paswan said once the Imphal regional office begins to operate, officers from other states will be posted here.
He emphasized the need for establishing a safe and secure atmosphere so that they can function without the feeling of apprehension.
Expressing confidence on the possibility for implementation of Food Security Act in Manipur in May, he stated that the Act will bring immense benefit to the people, particularly those belonging to categories below the poverty line.
He stressed on the need for transparency during implementation of the Act.
The list of beneficiaries and latest bulletins should be made available on the website for public knowledge, he stated.
All outside interferences preventing the supply of PDS items from reaching the beneficiaries will be solved permanently once the Act comes into force, he stated adding that 88 percent of rural and 85 percent of urban population of the State will come under the scope of the scheme.
Informing that FCI transporters have forwarded to him the problems they faced during shipment of food items including those arising from opening of tender outside Manipur, Paswan promised due attention from his side to assuage their inconveniences.
After the completion in conversion of the Lumding-Silchar rail line into broad guage, which is expected in March, there will be a significant improvement in transportation of food supply into the state, he said.
Paswan said that FCI has buffer stock to last for additional three months and pointed out that it is upto to the respective State governments to decide whether or not to distribute the items to the people.
Sincerity of the State government is necessary for ensuring that the people reap full benefits of the scheme, he stated.
The minister said his ministry is ready to construct godowns for storing grains in Tamenglong and Chandel districts if the State government provides land.
Chief Minister O Ibobi said hectic preparation is underway for implementation of the Act in the state from June this year.
He urged the Union minister to construct more food storage facilities, assuring that state government was ready to provide land in the two hill districts.