DIMAPUR, JULY 31: Consequent upon formal launching of citizen rights awareness campaign earlier, a team consisted of Kohima Law College LL.B Final Year students conducted an awareness programme for the members of Sephuzou Youth Fellowship at SBCK High School, Bayavu, Kohima, on July 30. The programme was conducted to create awareness amongst the public on the National Food Security Act, Lokayukta, Food Safety & Standard Act, Consumer Rights, Child Rights Protection, Environment Protection, Right to Information Act (RTI) and Human Rights.
Led by Professor in-charge Kezhokhoto Savi, the team consisted of Vithienyu Mere, Qhuwoto Yeptho, Ms. Tobonu Thecha, Toshilemba Ao, Medochutuo Kiewhuo, Ayeto K Kiba and Ms. Petesenuo Yhome.
The team covered topics on National Food Security Act, Lokayukta, Food Safety & Standard Act, Consumer Rights, Child Rights Protection, Environment Protection, and Right to Information Act (RTI).
While presenting on National Food Security Act 2013, the team clarified the information of the rate of wheat given by DC Kohima at Rs 3 per kg. It said no beneficiaries either AAY or Priority Household (PHH) would be charged more than Rs 3 per kg for rice and Rs 2 per kg for wheat. National Food Security Act is an act of the Parliament of India which aimed at providing subsidised food grains to two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion population.
The Act also covers the mid-day meal scheme, integrated child development services and recognises maternity entitlements. It said the Act provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of urban population for receiving subsidised foodgrains.
The team enlightened the participants that beneficiaries of AAY would get 35 kg of food grains per month and eligible persons of Priority Household will be entitled to get 5 kgs of food grains per person per month at subsidised prices where ‘Rice’ can be obtained at Rs 3 per kg, wheat at Rs 2 per kg and flours at Rs 1 per kg.
Pointing out that the Act has a special focus on the nutritional support to women and children, the team said pregnant women and lactating mothers will be entitled to receive maternity benefit of not less than Rs 6000. Saying it should be the duty of the State government to deliver food grains from the concerned department of central government, it deemed that the State government should appoint redressal officer for each district for expeditious and effective redressal of grievances in matters relating to district wise distributing of food grains under this Act.
After a delay of almost three years, the State government had decided to implement the National Food Security Act in Dimapur and Kohima with a commitment that it would soon be implemented in all districts. The further hoped that the State government would not fail to fully implement the National Food Security Act 2013 as it would hugely uplift the general mass especially the weaker section in the State. For any consumer grievances or query dial, the team urged all concerned to contact the toll free Nagaland State Consumer Helpline No. 1800-345-3701 during the office working hours.
