National Food Safety Act to be implemented in J&K from Feb 1: Sayeed

“The National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the state, which is expected to benefit 1.19 crore people of Jammu & Kashmir as per 2011 Census”, said Mufti Sayed after the Cabinet meeting in a press conference held here today.

“74.13 lakh persons from poor and marginalized sections of the society will be provided ration at highly-subsidized rates of Rs. 2 per kg for atta and Rs. 3 per kg for rice. “Another 45 lakh people will also be provided atta @ Rs. 8 per kg and rice @ Rs. 10 per kg,” he said.

The Chief Minister also described as major achievement the government’s decision to disburse ration as per the 2011 Census, which was earlier being provided to people according to 2001 Census.

Describing the present age as the Age of Skills, the Chief Minister announced Cabinet’s decision regarding the approval to Skill Development Mission, which is aimed at creating and managing skill-based enterprises in the state.

“Training will enhance skills  of our youth and improve their chances of employability,” he added.

Sayeed said the budget session of the state's bicameral legislature would, for the first time, begin on January 18 next year instead of the traditional practice of holding the budget in March each year.

He said the 'Laadli Beti scheme' has already been announced in the state that would benefit daughters born to poor parents. It includes Rs.6.50 lakh for each girl belonging to a poor family when she attains marriageable age.

Mufti Sayeed said as Chief Minister it is his responsibility to address the concerns of the alliance partners.

“We have come together to respect the mandate of the people. I am here to resolve the issues,” he said.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)