State Government is bemused whether it should or should not implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA) passed by the Parliament in 2013. The Central Government then urged all the State Governments to implement the Act. While other states, including our neighbouring ones like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh wasted no time in implementing the Parliamentary Act, J&K has so far remained undecided whether to implement it or not. The previous NC-Congress coalition Government, too, remained undecided on the issue and despite exhortation by the State High Court that the Government should makes its position clear on yes or no of the Act, nothing has materialized so far. Interestingly, in August last, the State Government constituted a committee comprising the secretaries of a number of departments to formulate opinion on the issue, and report to the Government within 15 days. The Committee has not been able to come to any conclusion and has not submitted its report. It is said that there are differences among the members on whether the Act should or should not be implemented in the State. The Committee was supposed to examine financial, legal and other aspects of the Act in case it was implemented.
It has to be noted that the Act takes into consideration the Census figures of 2011 as the basis for food distribution. If the State Government wants food supplies and distribution according to the Census figures of 2011, then of course it needs to impalement the Act and get entitled to its benefits. Moreover, with the implementation of this legislation food will become a right and not mere entitlement in the State and on denial of the ration the people would have option to knock the doors at the district Grievance Cells level, which would have the powers to make directions to the State Government for compensation to the ration holders on denial of ration. Moreover, these Cells would have sufficient powers to initiate criminal proceedings against those denying right of ration to the people. What can be said in general terms is that if the Act is beneficial to other States how come that our State has reservations and is caught on the horns of dilemma. Stalemate has to be ended and the issue should be decided without further hassles. The right to food cannot be denied to the people.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel