Food Security Ordinance in State soon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18 2013: Consequent upon the President of India Dr Pranab Mukherjee recently giving his assent to the National Food Security Ordinance the flagship project of the Congress-led UPA Government will encompass Manipur soon, declared All India Congress Committee spokesperson Randeep Singh Suriewala at a press conference held today at Congress Bhavan.

Stating that the State Cabinet would soon take a decision to implement NFS Ordinance in Manipur, Randeep said he will meet the Chief Minister to initiate necessary procedures for introduction of the NFS Ordinance so that problem of food insecurity in the State could be effectively addressed.

Exuding confidence that judicious implementation of the Ordinance would effectively curb problem of food insecurity in the country, the Congress spokesperson said the Ordinance includes provisions for ensuring nutritious food to women and children.

Irrespective of objections against the NFS Bill raised by Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, Randeep said the Ordinance will cover 82 crore people including 75 percent of the rural population and 50 in urban areas.

While 67 percent of the country's entire population would benefit once the Ordinance comes into effect, over 23 lakh people of Manipur out of the total population of 27,21,000 as per 2011 census would be covered by the Ordinance, explained the Congress leader.

Under the ordinance an individual will receive 5 kg rice each month at the rate of Rs 3 per kilogram along with wheat at Rs 2 and other food-grains at Re 1 for the same quantity, said the spokesman adding that families under Antodaya category would be provided 35 kg food-grains at the said rate.

Moreover nutritious food items would be given during pregnancy period and six months after delivery through the local anganwadi centres under the project, he maintained and conveyed that all the children in between six months to six years of age will also be provided nutritious food items.

In addition to the Ordinance covering children in the 6-14 year age group through the mid-day meal scheme currently implemented for school children, security allowances would be allotted to all the citizens not covered by the food-grain security project, Randeep explained.

It is said that 72.6 million tonne of food grains would be necessary for effective implementation of the with the Government of India having to bear additional expenditure of about Rs 1,24,747 crores annually.

In addition to allotting requisite food grain to the States the Central Government will also bear the transportation cost, said the spokesperson who further informed that district grievances redressal officers and State food commissions would be set-up to monitor implementation of the project.

Stating that the Ordinance has already been implemented in some States, Randeep asserted that any official found violating provisions of the Ordinance would be liable to face Rs 5000 penalty.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Lok Sabha MP Dr Th Meinya, Cabinet ministers and MPCC office bearers were also present during the media briefing.

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