The Manipur government will strictly implement the Food Safety and Standard Act once the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School Children) Regulations 2019 is made operational.
This was informed by Manipur government spokesperson and education minister Th Radheshyam on Thursday while replying to questions raised by MLA Paonam Brojen in the state Assembly.
MLA Brojen expressed his concern during a discussion on the need for ensuring quality and hygienic foods to the boarding students as a matter of public interest.
Radheshyam said the education department will take the leading role for the safety of the school children.
Earlier, expressing concern over the quality of foods available in the market and boarding schools, in particular, MLA Brojen drew the attention of everyone in the society to think and work out for consuming healthy food.
During the discussion in the Assembly, MLA Brojen, who represents Wangjing Tentha constituency in Thoubal district, highlighted the importance of shaping the young generation by ensuring good foods.
To ensure good foods, the authorities concerned in the state need to take certain precautionary measures considering the health issue of the new generation, he added.
Responding to a calling attention motion moved by opposition Congress MLAs Kh Joykishan and K Meghachandra on media reports of the financial crisis in the state, chief minister N Biren Singh said the government is considering to introduce lottery schemes to generate revenue for the state.
Expressing his desire to legalise local liquor for consumption outside the state to increase revenue collection, the CM said there is some social obligation about the proposed legalization of ‘ganja’ cultivation for medicinal purposes.
The Manipur government has introduced several measures to avoid revenue misuse like online system among others.
All the commitments given by the government have been converted into action with the support of the people and any work executed by the government is included in the work programmes, he said.
Clarifying that there is no question of financial collapse though the state has “financial constraint,” N Biren Singh said that the government can publish a financial white paper for the past five financial years.
Saying that there is no need to worry about the financial crisis, the CM informed that the state received Rs 305 crore in May and June, Rs 315 crore in July and Rs 343 crore in August against the stipulated central share of Rs 416 crore/month this financial year.