Marandi slams government over food act implementation

RANCHI: Former chief minister and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) chief Babulal Marandi on Saturday wrote to chief minister Hemant Soren demanding immediate implementation of Food Security Act 2013 in Jharkhand.
At a press conference on Saturday, Marandi said it is a matter of serious concern that the state government has not cared to implement the ambitious act till now.“Jharkhand has suffered frequent droughts in past. This year too, the entire Palamu division and some other districts are facing drought-like situation. It would be a grave injustice to the people of this state if the government fails to implement the act,” said Marandi.
The UPA government, in its second term, had given the nation Food Security Act, 2013 which ensures subsidized foodgrain to the beneficiaries. All states were supposed to implement the act before July 5, 2014. A total of 12 states in the country have so far taken the matter into cognizance. The act ensures provision of nutritious food to children, women and others who need it.
Marandi suggested that government should constitute a state food security commission and appoint a district complaints redressal officer to address the grievances of people who fail to receive benefits.
"Around 86% of rural population and 60% of urban population in Jharkhand are eligible for the benefits ensured under this scheme,” he said. Marandi also warned that JVM (P) will take to the streets if the state government does not implement the Food Security Act, 2013 sometime soon.