ITANAGAR, 16 May: The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the state government to immediately start a new programme for students, stranded labourers and daily wage earners who have been left out of various central and state flagship programmes to provide free food under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
In a statement, ANSU president Nabam Dodum said there are many stranded students and labourers who have not been covered under schemes like
the Antodaya Anna Yojna (AAY), the PMJKY, the PHH, etc, and are facing a difficult time because of the declaration of containment (lockdown) in the Itanagar capital region.
“After going through all the flagship programmes being sponsored by the government of India, we have learnt that there are so many people who have been left out by such benefits. Such as students, daily wages labourers and those who are stranded here in the capital for medical purposes. State government through the disaster management department should immediately examine the matter and start a flagship programme, keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation in the state,” said Dodum.
He also urged the state government to identify bogus beneficiaries and take strict action. “The beneficiaries of AAY and PHH need to be re-verified in the days to come because many well-established people, such as officers and business class families are availing the benefits,” he said.
Further, the ANSU condemned the horticulture, agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry departments for failing to rise to the occasion during the lockdown period. “It seems these departments exist just for name sake and are misusing the state exchequer without any output. Last year also, during lockdown they were found wanting and the same is being witnessed now. I appeal to the chief minister to look into the matter seriously,” said Dodum.
