UKHRUL, Aug 6 NNN : Amidst roaring protest from non-Congress political parties in Manipur against the Food Security Bill, the state government of Manipur is attempting hard to convince the people that the Bill means a huge benefit for the poor section of the society.
\nAs part of its gear up measure, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam on Tuesday called for mass awareness on the Food Security Bill which is expected to benefit 75 percent of the rural population while another 50 percent of the urban population in the state.
\nParticipating in a one day \u2018state level (ST) youth convention and discussion on Food Security Bill, 2013\u2019 organised by Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) at Town Hall, Ukhrul district, Gaikhangam assertively stated that states with more number of poor people will get more benefits through this food security.
\nHe said the people need awareness on the Bill and urged all the Congress workers and the party\u2019s frontal organizations to spread its facts.
\nGaikhangam said presently the people are provided with various benefits under three different schemes\u2014APL, BPL and AAY\u2014but the AAY will be removed after implementation of the ordinance.
\nManipur\u2019s 23.38 lakh population of the 27.21 lakh total population will get benefits under the National Food Security Bill, 2013 which aimed at eradicating hunger and providing nutrition to women and children in the country, the Deputy Chief Minister said. This scheme will provide 5 kg foodgrains per person per month at Rs 3 per kg for rice and Rs 2 per kg for wheat.The scheme is most likely to implement in the state within three months, he said.
\nThe Bill proposes to cover nearly 82 crore of India\u2019s population\u201475 percent of the rural population and another 50 percent of the urban population\u2014that is, nearly 60 percent of the population.<\/p>\n\n