TAMENGONG, May 16: The National Food Security Act, (NFSA) 2013 which was recently launched by the Chief Minister of Manipur to provide food grains at subsidized rate, apparently remains ineffective in Tamenglong district especially in Nungba Sub-division.
It has been alleged that Fair Price Shops in Tousem sub-division is selling rice at Rs 10 a kilo in total disregard to the NFSA besides hundreds quintals of rice meant for distribution to the marginalised section under the NFSA missing in many of the fair price shops.
Concerned over the prevailing situation Tosuem Headquarter Students’ Union of Tamenglong district urged the authority concerned to immediately intervene to ensure availability of food grains at reasonable price.
According to Joseph Newmei, president of Tousem Headquarter Students’ Union, Fair Price Shop (FPS) Centre at Tousem is selling the rice at the rate of Rs. 10 per kg against the government norm set under the NSFA.
The students’ body president further alleged that over 700 quintals of rice NFSA meant for Tousem Block share was sold in Jiribam on May 5th adding the people in the remote area are spending sleepless nights with empty stomach.
“Such corrupt act depriving the rights of the marginalise section of the most backward sub-Division in Manipur is should be strongly condemned by one all”, he added.
Joseph Newmei, further alleged that Fair Price Shops of Old Mandeu, Aben and Phoklong remain undistributed as rates for the items stand unsettled.
He urged the authority concerned to bring back the quantity of rice allegedly sold and take necessary action against the defaulter at the earliest so as to ensure availability of food grains at reasonable price.
In the meantime, Kerosene (SK) oil is also reportedly sold at Rs 25 per litres by the many Fair Price Shops in Tamenglong district headquarters, he said.