Since Jammu and Kashmir is one of the few states, where universal public distribution system (PDS) has been in force since 2002 covering every poor family in the state, it is facing a shortfall of 5,953 tonnes of foodgrains in a month.
In his meeting with Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Omar sought higher foodgrain allocation for the state to meet the demand of people.
All states were to implement the Food Law that gives legal right over subsidised foodgrain to poor people by July 4. Later, all states were given three more months to implement the law.
Asked when the state plans to implement the new food law, Omar said: "We are not committing anything right now. As of now, implementation of the food security law actually puts us at a disadvantage in terms of amount of ration that I can supply to people.
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He further said that these issues were flagged before the Food Minister. He also expressed the hope that the Centre will take a "sympathetic view" of this issue.
The Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir faces a deficit in foodgrain production. Buffer stock of essential food items, fuel, petroleum and kerosene are required considering severe winter and inaccessibility of areas.
Paswan said the Centre recently had announced release of additional 50 lakh tonnes of rice through PDS to provide relief to poor from the rising prices. "Out of this, the state will get 43,000 tonnes of rice," he said after the meeting.