UNM-M draws attention of State Govt on price rise
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 11 2020:
United NGOs Mission-Manipur (UNM-M) has drawn attention of the State Government to deal with the growing price of essential commodities in the State on account of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown being induced by the dreaded disease.
In its letter to the Chief Minister, UNM-M highlighted the concern of many affected by the Nationwide lockdown put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 and the growing price of essential commodities which are exploiting the poor and needy at such a crucial juncture.
UNM-M also mentioned that there National Food Security Act enacted in line with the guidelines of UN Special Rapporteur on Right to Food in 2000, is able to cover only 80 crore people in country while leaving many poor and needy out of its ambit despite claims of authorities that there are sufficient food grains in FCI.
UNM-M while questioning how rice from local market disappeared during March 25 to April 22 said that unavailability of essential commodities and food at affordable prices is contradiction to "Right to Food" under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
National Human Rights commission takes the Right to Food is inherent to a life with dignity under Article 21 of Constitution of India and State has obligation to ensure the same, it said.
While mentioning principles, responsibilities of the Country and the State, UNM-M urged the Chief Secretary to make an implementable mechanism for fixing the prices of essential commodities in Manipur.
UNM-M also asked all the DCs in Manipur to personally review the price list of essential commodities under their respective jurisdiction while urging a delegate of members of National/Manipur Human Right Commission to assess the situation of right to food in face of COVID-19 crisis.