The introduction of National Food Security Act in Jammu and Kashmir has caught the government in controversy with one section of the society remaining deprived of the benefits especially those migratory populations of tribals who shift their bases during winter and summer months. Called as NFSA the population of Kashmir Valley sees it as an extension of the Central rule in the area through the food channel. Over six lakh people are of migratory nature who shift according to climate. Since a major part of the these segments are on the move the government move to link ration to Food Safety Bill would deprive them the benefits of the food security actually needed. The Union Government is envisaging to introduce the act country-wide. Since the migratory population does not have permanent settlements so the distribution of ration becomes tough and government will have to work out some way out so that the marginal segment of the society too gets the benefit of ration extended as food security. This marginal segment has remained always deprived of the benefits government has been extending time-to-time. They face extreme adversities due to their tough lifestyle, lack of economic freedom besides food insecurity, owing to low income and deficiency of resources. Due to their wandering way of life these tribes are not only facing food insecurity but also face acute shortage of basic facilities, absolute illiteracy and lack of health facilities. The previous NC-Congress Government headed by Omar Abdullah had refused to implement the NFSA in the State. Omar while opposing implementation of NFSA in the State had said its implementation would have resulted in loss to the people of the State rather than benefit. The State Government has decided to implement National Food Security Act in the state from 1st April, 2016.The decision in this regard was taken during a State Cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed.
