Mandya: Mandya district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy on Friday said that the importance of food increased manifold in the present times and every citizen must realise its true value.Recalling India’s past, he said the country faced severe food shortages 30 to 40 years ago, but sustained policy initiatives and reforms helped India become self-reliant and even emerge as an exporter of food grains.The minister spoke after inaugurating National Consumer Day 2025 and an awareness programme on Food Safety and Legal Rights by lighting the ceremonial lamp at Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan. The programme was organised under the theme ‘Effective and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice’ by the District Consumer Information Centre.Cheluvarayaswamy highlighted that the Food Commission was established during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure food security for all, and the Food Security Act was implemented to supply quality food at affordable prices to the poor and vulnerable.While the Union govt scheme initially provided 5 kg of food grains per person, chief minister Siddaramaiah enhanced it to 10 kg of rice in Karnataka to make the state hunger-free, he stated.The minister assured that issues related to cancelled ration cards are being rectified and urged the public to report irregularities. He warned of strict action against those compromising food quality, including in school mid-day meals. Chairman of the Karnataka State Food Commission H Krishna said efforts are being made to prevent consumers from being cheated and stressed the need for awareness of consumer laws.
