The re-assurances from the government that National Food Security Act (NFSA) is for the benefit of public at large seems to have to takers as people in Srinagar continued protests against the ‘controversial Act’ on the fourth consecutive day.
Hundreds of people assembled at Brein Nishat here to protest against the act.
The protestors expressed their resentment against a circular issued by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department saying that five kg ration would be issued per head per month under the NFSA.
“Earlier, we were provided 35 kilograms of rice per month. Now they will provide us even lesser which is sheer injustice,” they said.
An official handout issued by the State government Wednesday claimed that against the total population of 12.69 lakh as per 2011 census in Srinagar, 10.63 lakh souls would be covered by CAPD – 6.03 lakh in priority sector and 4.59 lakh in non-priority.
However, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar (vide communication 35/1243-45 dated 17.08. 2015) has communicated to CAPD Department that population of the summer capital was 12.94 lakh – implying 2.31 lakh residents of the city would not be getting subsidized ration either at NFSA rates of Rs 3 per kilogram or on Above Poverty Line rates of Rs 10 per kilogram.
“We want rice as per need and not as the mere assurances,” said protestors.
They added that if government assurances are true, “Why we are provided just one or two KG of rice. Is this benefit that government is talking about?” they asked.
courtesy: G.K