No starvation death in state: Mizo govt

Aizawl, Mar 18 (UNI) The Mizoram government today informed the House that not a single person has died of starvation despite acute food shortage in remote areas of the state.

Food, Civil supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister K Sangthuama told in the Assembly that there has been no report of starvation death in the state following the Mautam famine.

Replying to Tlabung MLA Nihar Kanti Chakma's query, Mr Sangthuama reassured that his department was trying all possible efforts to ensure food security in the entire state.

He also informed the House members that the FCI allocates 11,640 tonnes of rice per month to Mizoram and the state government spends Rs 11,91,52,500 for procurement of this amount of rice, including the purchase of rice at an economic price of Rs 7,22,44,500 for 5000 tonnes.

He further added that his department was urging the Centre to provide an additional two lakh quintals of rice for monsoon stocking, in view of the monsoon.

UNI ZS PP RD 1440