Manipur rights commission asks MLAs not to violate right to food

Imphal | March 30

Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Sunday urged the MLAs of the state to ensure availability of 20 kg of rice to each family of five members as per announced by the state chief minister.Earlier, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh announced distribution of rice free of cost to the people as relief measure.

The chief minister assured 20 kg of rice for each family of five members, irrespective of beneficiaries of NFSA (National Food Security Act) or not which will be distributed through the MLAs of all 60 Assembly constituencies of the state. However, complaints are pouring in alleging receiving less quantity of rice.

MHRC also received several such complaints, written as well as well verbal and also through social media networks, Acting chairman of the commission Khaidem Mani told media on Sunday.

The commission welcomed the initiative of the state government but any lapses on the part of the MLAs in the implementation, they are also liable to be punished as they are also public servants, Khaidem Mani said.

“The commission would like to appeal honourable MLAs to ensure reaching out to all sections of people in their respective constituencies while implementing the government relief measure,” he appealed.

Further speaking to media, the MHRC Acting chairman drew the attention of the authorities of the state government to ensure opening emergency (casualty) wards of all the hospitals irrespective of government and private in the state.