Ever since the previous Coalition Government led by late Mufti Sayeed had agreed to the implementation of National Food Security Act, the fears of pessimists that this decision would land the masses of the people of the State in a perilous situation has come true. It is literally degenerating into chaotic situation. Atta and levy sugar, two important commodities, are not reaching the public for a number of months in the past just because the CAPD does not find itself answerable. One wonders if we are really having a democratic Government which is working in the interests of the people or has it other ideas about handling the affairs of the State.
The situation of levy sugar is that the CAPD has been haggling with the sugar barons of Maharashtra over the price of sugar they agree to supply to the State. Our consumption is to the tune of over 84,000 MT per year. The State had previously fixed the price at Rs. 39.50 per kg. But now the contractor is demanding enhanced rate to the tune of 45 rupees per kg and the Government is not willing to pay more than 40 rupees per kg. Three month long negotiations broke down and the seniors in the CAPD are now thinking of retendering for sugar on national level. If that is the plan, then obviously we shall not have levy sugar for supply for another four months to say the least. During last six months only twice was levy sugar released in favour of consumers in the city whereas the towns and villages remain starved for almost a year. The chaotic conditions are to the extent that levy sugar is no more visible at CAPD retail outlets. Nobody asks the dealers where sugar has gone. The worst is that even during the festival days, no sugar was available for the sweetmeat dealers.
The situation of supply of atta is no better. With the implementation of the NFSA, Atta disappeared from the retail shops. The Government issued wheat instead and asked the people that it was not in a position to get the flour from the mills for supply. This caused severe hardship for the people. The position is that in vast rural and semi urban areas, Atta is in short supply and sugar is not to be seen at all. There is general resentment among the masses of people. The situation is worsening day after day and the CAPD is no realizing how grave the situation can turn.
Was the NFSA implemented in a hush hush manner? If so what were the reasons? It will be recollected that J&K is not the only State that has implemented the NFSA. Almost all states in the country have implemented it and are taking the benefit that accrues to the people especially the BPL. How come that the whole issue has been blown out of proportions in our state and a critical situation has been created. Why proper planning has not gone into the implementation of the Act and if there were loopholes or if it could create some hardships why were not these taken care of before the implementation of the act?
The entire onus comes to the doorsteps of the Purchase Committee of CAPD. If it found that negotiations with the sugar baron were not proceeding according to its choice, it should have taken into account the option which it could exercise in case of talks breaking down. That exercise was never done. The entire region of Jammu and more particularly the hilly region of Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Bhaderwah are experiencing famine like symptoms. The CAPD cannot suppress the news of disgruntlement of the people who are on the verge of initiating mass disobedience in case they have to go empty stomach to their daily chores. The Government must try to find out who are the elements now trying to disrupt the state. Maybe it is a big conspiracy and unless the Government goes deep into its investigation the malaise may not be removed.
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