Deccan Herald

Mangalore, Jul 24: The unit system introduced by the state government amounted to violation of Supreme Court order on food security, said Aahara Hakkigagi Aandolana - Karnataka (Campaign for Food Rights- Karnataka) convener Praveen.
 
Speaking at an interactive meeting on food security organised by the NGO Okkuta and Aahara Hakkigagi Aandolana - Karnataka here on Monday, he said government has violated the Supreme Court order. Under the unit system each member of a family (adults) would get five kg of rice. Unfortunately, if the family had above four members, then they would get only 25 kgs of rice. But the system did not include children as family members. If the family has only two members, they will get only 10 kg of rice. Will 10 kg rice be enough for the entire month? he asked.

He said that several NGOs are planning to file public interest litigation in the High Court questioning the logic behind the system, within two months. He said ration shops should function for eight hours a day and must be kept open for six days a week (except on Tuesday and public holidays). The beneficiaries can buy the food grains in six installments in a month.

But neither the beneficiaries nor the ration shop owners are aware of this provision. In many places, ration shops function only three days in a year or 15 days in a month, he added.

Praveen said as per the Supreme Court order of 2005, Deputy Commissioner should redress the grievances related to food security.

A committee comprised of DC, ZP CEO and District-in-Charge Secretary should convene a grievances meeting related to food security on the first Saturday or third Saturday of every month and redress the grievances of the public. Unfortunately, the Committee is not functioning satisfactorily in the State, he lamented.

Antyodaya yojane

Praveen said under Antyodaya Yojane, ration cards should be given to the eligible beneficiaries from Koraga, Malekudiya and Jenukuruba community in undivided Dakshina Kannada district, widow and handicapped persons who do not have any support.

He said as per the Supreme Court order, the number of Anganwadi centres should be raised to 14 lac from 4 lac by 2008. Anganwadi should be set up where there are 40 children within the age group of 0-6. Those teenagers (girls) who are underweight should be supplied with the nutritious food through Anganwadi centres.

Sarva Shikshana Abhiyana Project co-ordinator Geetha said that the mid-day meals have been successfully implemented in Dakshina Kannada district. The enrolment of students to schools have been increased drastically in the district after the introduction of mid-day meals.  NGO Okkuta president Reny, Aahara Hakkigagi Aandolana -Karnataka representative Shivaprasad were present.