CLP deliberates on NFSA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 04 2014 : Chief Minister O Ibobi today convened a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and discussed about implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the State.

According to a CLP member, compilation of priority list needed for implementation of the Act has been completed.

Keeping in view that rice should be made available to beneficiaries at Rs 3 per Kg, the meeting discussed about urging the Centre to sanction transportation and handling charges.

As some of the godowns are still not ready, the CLP members decided to take some more time before implementing NFSA.

Significantly the State Government has been maintaining a stoic silence over the enforcement of the provisions under the NFSA, after the initial hype.

Fund constraint is one primary reason for the Government keeping a studied silence over the matter.

In case the need arises to implement NFSA in the State or when it is made compulsory, then the State Government would have to seek Central assistance.

Presently the State's monthly allocation of rice is 78860 quintal.

The profits earned by agents is Rs 65 per quintal and the Government does not provide the funds meant for profit but is earned by the agents by selling the rice to the public at a higher rate.

The profit margin is the same in the case of sugar too.

In case the NFSA is enforced or implemented in the State then agents will not be allowed to hike the price of either rice or sugar.

It is also still unclear on who would pay for the transportation charge of commodities distributed to beneficiaries under the NFSA.

Another agenda of the CLP meeting was the by-election to Hiyanglam A/C.

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