IMPHAL Oct 31: The All Manipur Nupi Marup (AMNM) held a panel discussion on Food Security Act 2013 at Manipur Press Club today.
Dr Ch Jamini, former chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women and M Shakhi Leima, president, AMNM graced the discussion as moderator and president respectively with Prof Chinglen Maisnam, dept of economic, MU and M Dhanabir, executive editor, Imphal Free Press as panelists.
Dhanabir detailed the historicity of the Act and said, `It is unfortunate that the Government of Manipur is yet to actively implement such a pro poor Act in reality.
He said `Reliable sources have also revealed that the State government is sending a utilization certificate of compliance for the last 10 months despite the apathy in reality.`
He continued, `The provisions of the Act clearly ensure food security for the Indian citizens. All States are directed to secure sufficient foodgrains at affordable price for accomplishing the right to food of the poor families.`
`However the targeted family itself is yet to be mapped officially for Manipur.`
Chinglen Maisnam said PDS has become a secretive and lucrative business in Manipur.
`The food security Act is designed to provide a package for targeted poor families. Such an objective Actwould have been a very welcoming note especially to women who traditionally manage the kitchen`™
The discussion ended in a hopeful note that more campaigns should be initiated to pressure the State Government to implement the Food Security Act 2013 in Manipur.