Implementation of the National Food Security Act in the Valley has ironically led to greater anxiety about availability of cheap rice. Riyaz Wani finds out why.
More, please: The symbolism of the empy plate is obvious: Srinagar women protest the quota
It might not sound like much, but ration card holders in Jammu and Kashmir will now get 7 kilograms of rice per head instead of 5 kg from the public distribution system (PDS). This is much less than the 35 kg per card that was the norm laid down earlier. The additional 2 kg food grains per head will be provided to a family of up to six members from 1 April and will be funded by the state government.
The enhanced rations were the result of restiveness in the Valley against the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). On 22 March, a complete shutdown was observed in parts of downtown Srinagar against the legislation. Shops and other business establishments remained shuttered. Angry citizens erected barricades on the roads, affecting vehicular movement. Protestors chanted anti-NFSA and antigovernment slogans.
Venting anger against NFSA has become a regular feature of life in the Valley ever since the late chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed decided to implement the central law in December 2015. In doing so, Mufti went against the predominant public opinion in the state, particularly in the Valley, where rice is the staple food.
However, Mufti had little option. The Centre, annoyed by several missed deadlines for the implementation of NFSA, had warned that the states which fail to implement the legislation by the end of 2015 would have to lift PDS grain at minimum support prices (MSPs) far higher than the current rates.
This story is from the April 15 2016 edition of Tehelka.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 15 2016 edition of Tehelka.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Did Ratan Tata Feel Compelled To Take Charge Again?
Did Cyrus Mistry fall victim to an ossified corporate culture or did he violate Tata Sons’ ethos and culture? MG BanGa tells the story so far.
Misguided Youths Or Trained Terrorists?
As part of a dangerous trend emerging across the world, homegrown ISIL sympathisers are willing and attempting to carry out deadly terror attacks without any comprehensive support system.
Indian Railways: Living In Dreams
Indian Railways is changing track, giving up its separate Budget and experimenting with surge pricing on three popular trains. That leaves the behemoth with no funds to replace ageing assets and encourage further investments.
Priyanka Gandhi Agreed To Play Bigger Role In UP
Further delay in decision making could be detrimental to the party’s goal to rejuvenate its prospects in the State Assembly elections.
Mission 2019: Banega Swachh India?
Two years ago, Modi kicked off a cleanliness drive in a spectacular way. Showing the contrast between world cities and Gurgaon, MG BANGA suggests ways in which the mission can be accomplished by 2019.
The Goodwill Enjoyed By Mehabooba Mufti Has Been Erased!
Mehbooba Mufti risks losing her popularity and irking her party ranks by using New Delhi’s rulebook to deal with the unrest in Kashmir.
Is China's Support To Pakistan, Big Threat To India?
New Delhi needs to be cautious as in Pakistan’s scheme of things, strategic ties with China can serve as a powerful weapon to deal with adversaries like India.
Panama Papers: Nawaz Sharif'S Troubles Escalate
After his name surfaced in the Panama paper leak following several other charges of money laundering filed against him, there is pressure on Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif to resign.
This Potus Will Make The World Go Bust
The man who believes global warming is a hoax and has a short attention span will now preside over the affairs not just of the United States but of the whole world. A daunting prospect.
Reel-Life Bohemians, Real-Life Hyprocrites
ADHM vs Palm Grove Heights: In cinematic life, two strangers Ranbir and Anushka meet in a pub in London and go on a kissing spree while in actual life back in India, a woman from Barcelona was evicted from her male friend’s home in Gurugram. Is cinema really a mirror of society?
