Okendro takes NFSA to Paswan
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 07 2014:
CAF&PD Minister M Okendro M Okendro today called on the Union Minister of State, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Independent charge) Ram Vilas Paswan and urged him to provide necessary assistance for effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in Manipur.
The Union Minister of State reportedly responded by assuring all possible assistance.
Okendro apprised Ram Vilas Paswan that the State has been acute shortage of godown for implementation of NFSA in the State which is aimed at providing staple food to the people at highly subsidized rates.
The CAF and PD Minister also sought three months time before implementing the NFSA and give an opportunity to complete the ongoing construction works of FCI godowns.
In addition to assuring all possible assistance towards effective implementation of NFSA in the State, Ram Vilas Paswan stated that he would visit Manipur soon to take stock of the State Government's preparation for implementation of NFSA in the State as well as the FCI godown construction works being undertaken at Churachandpur and Thoubal.
The Union Minister of State was also apprised about selection of beneficiaries, data digitization and other relevant activities.
It is said that the annual food grain requirement of the State would be 1.58 lakh MT as and when NFSA is implemented.
The foods grains should be distributed continuously to the people and bandhs/blockades cannot be any excuse.
That is why, the State Government is more worried about adequate number of godowns before the Act is implemented, Okendro stated.
Construction of FCI godowns at Imphal West, Senapati and Ukhrul has been completed.
Similar construction works are going on at Churachandpur and Thoubal.
For Imphal East, Bishnupur, Tamenglong and Chandel, the State has allotted necessary plots for construction of FCI godowns.
The State Government would be compelled to spend an extra Rs 4 crore per month once the Act is implemented.
This would be a big burden to the State Government, Okendro pointed out while urging the Union Government to bear all the expenses of implementing NFSA.
Okendro also discussed about importing rice from neighbouring Myanmar with Ram Vilas Paswan, informed a source.