National Food Security Act, 2013 finally sees light of day in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 25 2016: The much hyped National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 has finally come to life in Manipur today as Chief Minister O Ibobi formally launched NFSA at the Directorate of CAF and PD, Sangaiprou.

Launching the NFSA 2013, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that it is a remarkable and historic moment for the State.

He urged everyone to extend maximum support to make the NFSA 2013 a success in Manipur.

"The NFSA should not be politicised, every eligible beneficiary is entitled to get the benefits," stated O Ibobi.

Further he cautioned each and every stakeholder to work sincerely and urged the State Govt's machineries and the department concerned not to misuse NFSA for personal gains.

If any defaulter is found, punishment will be given under the provisions of the Act, O Ibobi added.

He added that CAF and PD should sensitize the public through public awareness campaigns.

Under the NFSA the fair price shop should cover 200 beneficiary households and dealers should accommodate the goods at their godown/granaries for a minimum of one month, he stated.

Chief Minister O Ibobi addressing the launch of the NFSA

The State Govt has given the NFSA, 2013 top priority and will work for timely distribution.

Further he urged all people to help the Department closely monitor the implementation of the Act and distribution of the items.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who presided the function stated that today Manipur has created history by launching the NFSA, 2013 which was proposed and put forth by the then UPA Govt in 2013 for the benefits of every Indian citizen.

He urged the people to judiciously receive the benefits of NFSA and also to provide cooperation and support to the State Govt.Amongst others, Works and CAF&PD Minister Ksh Biren, Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir, Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas, Health and Family Welfare Minister DK Korungthang, Education and Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratan Kumar, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Chief Secretary O Nabakishore and other high ranking officials attended the National Food Security Act, 2013 launch programme.

Although there is provision to cover 87 percent of the State's total population, only 74.64 percent of the total population is covered, stated Principal Secretary MH Khan while highlighting some of the features under the Act.

He added that Govt of India has allocated 11, 796 metric tons of rice under NFSA from April and the State Govt has provided Rs 30 crore in the 2016-17 Budget as State share for implementation of NFSA.

The Govt of India will reimburse 75 percent of the transportation/ handling cost and dealers margin.

The National Food Security Act, 2013 is an Act of the Parliament of India which aims to provide subsidized food grains to the people of India which comes under Priority households and Antyodaya households.

Priority households are entitled 5 kgs of foodgrains per person per month, and Antyodaya households are entitled 35 kgs per household per month.

He added that distribution of 5,11,210 ration cards has been initiated in every district through the DSOs/SDOs.

ADMs in the districts have been designated as the District Grievances Redressal Officer (DGRO) of the districts concerned.

The Act seeks to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live with dignity, commented the Principal Secretary.

Meanwhile, as the National Food Security Act 2016 comes into force in the State from today, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip today distributed ration card to beneficiaries of Sadar Hills.

The Minister also made formal announcement about the enforcement of NFSA in Sadar Hills during a ration card distribution function organised by Sadar Hills administration at ADC office, Kangpokpi.

Speaking at the programme, Ngamthang Haokip appealed to all concerned to ensure judicious and transparent implementation of the NFSA in Sadar Hills.

He also urged the beneficiaries to lodge a complaint in case they do not get their monthly quota.

He said that action will be taken against agents and officials who are found involved in swindling the quota of the beneficiaries.

Ngamthang further urged the ADC Members to collect the names of potential beneficiaries who are left out in the existing lists.

Addl DC of Kangpokpi, DK Thangboi also spoke about the Act.

MLA Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Yamthong Haokip and Chairman of Sadar Hills ADC Haokholal Hangshing also attended the function.

At Senapati district elected members and Senapati district administration launched the much awaited National Food Security Act, 2013 at multi-purpose hall, Senapati DHQs.

Organized by the CAF & PD Department under district administration, MLA L Dikho, MLA Dr V Alexander Pao, ADC vice-Chairman, DC Jacintha Lazarus, SP K Kabib, ADC members, Asst Commissioner Pawan Yadav, SDOs, DLOs, civil bodies, village leaders, newly appointed Fair Price shop agents were.

The dignitaries also distributed food grains to ration card holders of different categories on the occasion.