V. Kishore Chandra Deo meets Representatives of Right to Food Campaign
Representatives of the Right to Food Campaign met the Minister of Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo, today and submitted a memorandum to him in relation to the Food Security issue.
The delegation of six comprised of tribal women leaders and leaders of tribal communities from various parts of the country, led by Kavita Srivastava of the PUCL.
The Right to Food Campaign, which is a conglomerate of numerous like-minded civil society organizations in the country, has been mobilizing public opinion on issues like universalization of PDS, ICDS and social pensions for vulnerable persons. In today’s meeting, in addition to these long-standing demands they have, the delegation sought that for ensuring food security among Tribal / Adivasi communities;
1. PDS should be universalized in all Schedule V areas, with a minimum of 14 Kgs of cereals per adult per month, along with inclusion of pulses and oil in the PDS.
2. The ST and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 should be implemented.
3. Special measures must be taken to ensure elimination of malnutrition in tribal areas.
The Minister assured the delegation of all necessary support for their commendable cause.