6,16,502 MT of sugar procured, distributed to beneficiaries
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2016 : The State Government has produced 6,16,502 MT of sugar from FCI and distributed the same to the beneficiaries in both hills and valley of Manipur during the last about 15 years.

After the FCI discontinued supplying sugar in May 2013, the State Government has to purchase it from open markets for distribution to the beneficiaries at subsidized rate.

Manipur is a food shortage State as food production of the State is not sufficient to meet the requirement of its population.

The Department of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF &PD) acts as an agency of the State Government to supplement food requirement to the masses of the State.

For effective and meaningful implementation of Public Distribution System (PDS), the Government of India introduced the Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS) from June 1, 1997 and the same was implemented from September 1,1997 in Manipur.

Under this scheme, Below Poverty Line (BPL), Antodya Ana Yojana (AAY) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families are identified and family ration cards are issued for getting the PDS items.

Based on projected population 2005 of Planning Commission of India, a total of 4,06,593 families (BPL -1,02,400.AAY-63,600.APL-2,40,593.) are the beneficiaries.

During the period from April 2002 to March 2016, the State Government could procure 4,47,951 MT of APL rice, 38,28,217 MT of BPL rice and 3,00,337 MT of AAY rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the same has been distributed to the beneficiaries of both hill and valley districts.

The State Government procured 1,48,742 MT of APL wheat and 17,333 MT of BPL wheat from FCI, Imphal during the period from 2002 to March 2016.After converting the wheat grains into whole meal atta, it has been distributed to the general public by opening retail sale outlet shops at different areas in the State.

During the period from April 2002 to March 2014, the Government of India allocated 2112 KL of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) per month for the State of Manipur through IOC Depot, Chingmeirong, Imphal.

But since April 2014, 1948 KL of SK Oil per month has been allocated for the State of Manipur through the IOC Depot.

15 Godowns having total capacity of 15,000 MT are now functional.

As such, under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 and Special Central Assistance (SCA), 2011-2012, the State Government had taken up steps for construction of six godowns having a total capacity of 10,600 MT at Tamenglong, Noney, Pallel, Porompat, Parbung and Jiribam.

Construction of eight FCI godowns is underway-construction of 2500 MT capacity godown at Churchandpur, 5000 MT capacity at Mayangkhang, Senapati, 2500 MT capacity at Jiribam, 5000 MT capacity at Tamenglong, 2500 MT capacity at Thoubal, 2500 MT capacity at Chandel, 10,000 MT capacity at Sawombung and 5,000 MT capacity godown at Bishnupur.

Under the Integrated Project on Consumer Protection (IPCP), the Central Government had provided Rs 60 lakh as the first instalment for construction of District Consumer Courts at Churchandpur, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel @ Rs.15.00 lakh per Court during the financial year 2009-2010.Construction works of the Courts is now at the finishing stage.

The National Food Security Act, 2013 has been implemented in the State.

As per the Act 11,796 metric tonnes of rice for April were released and 1 kg of rice would be made available at Rs 3 per kg to the beneficiaries.

Besides, AAY card holders can avail 35 kg of rice per month.

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