SDF underscores need for Food Commission under NFSA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19 2019: Taking strong exception of the high prices of rice (Superfine at Rs 30-36 per kg and indigenous rice at Rs 40 per kg), the Secular Democratic Front (SDF), which was formed by six political parties, has demanded the authority concerned to constitute a Food Commission under the National Food Security Act.

The SDF is formed by NCP, Trinamool Congress, Aam Admi Party, JD, Manipur Peoples' Council and Democratic Bharatiya Samaj party.

Speaking to media persons at Trinamool State Unit office at Haokip Veng, Sanjenthong today, SDF spokesperson Soram Iboyaima said that the price hike of rice (both variants) at a time when the poor people are suffering enough, has created even more inconveniences for the people.

He remarked that while the price hike has little effect when it comes to the indigenous variety of rice, the same cannot be said of superfine rice.

Superfine which is provided for just Rs 3 per kg in fair price shops, is being sold at around Rs 30-36 in the market, thus presenting a huge difference between the market rates and the Government rates.

Iboyaima then asked where the rice, which are being sold at the market, are obtained from.

Further asking what kind of mechanism the Government has implemented for controlling the price of rice in the market, the SDF spokesperson said that the lack of any such system has resulted in immense suffering of the people.

If the price of rice is extremely high during the harvest season, what will be the condition during other seasons, he questioned.

He then opined that establishment of a Food Commission under NFSA is highly essential and added that beneficiaries also lack any establishment to file com: plaint for not getting NFSA rice.

The Government is manipulating the programmes of NFSA as per its whims which is highly condemnable, he alleged.

On the other hand, the spokesperson demanded the State Government to produce a white paper detailing the steps it has taken up for supplying seeds and pulses to eh farmers for free.

He also demanded proper implementation of farmers insurance policies.

Iboyaima then alleged that none of the 204 cooperative societies of the agricultural sector which are present in the State seem to be collaborating properly with the Government and expressed desire for the said societies to function properly.

Comment