Paswan asks CM to implement Food Security Act

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL, February 15: Ram Vilas Paswan, Union minister of consumer, food and public distribution, left here this morning after the conclusion of the two-day official visit for the first time in Manipur.

Before his departure, he laid the foundation stones of two food and civil supplies godowns within the secretariat complex. One is at Sawombung in Imphal east district and the other at Bishnupur district.

The Swaombung godown will have 10 MT capacity while the Bishnupur one will have 5 MT capacity.

Paswan said that once the upgradation of the Lamding-Silchar railway line is over, there will be no problem in the transportation of food grains and other items for Manipur. He said that he has asked the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi to implement the Food Security Act in the State.

The Chief Minister told him that the necessary paper works and identification of the beneficiaries would be completed by April. If it is so, the Act could be implemented in a few months, the he said.

Once the Act is introduced, there would be no need of the BPL and the APL cards.

He admitted that there are complaints galore from the people on the non- availability of essential commodities which should have been distributed by the government.