IMPHAL: Assuring to extend all possible help from Union Government, Union Minister of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan insisted Manipur government on implementation of National Food Security Act in the State ensuring the benefits to the people. The union minister today laid foundation for construction of Food Storage Depots in Bishnupur and Sawombung at FCI Regional Office in Old Assembly Complex. Asserting FCI Regional Office will be made full fledged, Ram Vilas Paswan demanded proper security for the employees. He said with the completion of conversion of Lumding-Silchar Broad-Gauge by March this year, supply of food stocks will not be interrupted. Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said FCI keep food grains stocks in 3 month advance, and it is the State Government’s responsibility to distribute it to the people. He further said food storage godowns will be constructed in Tamenglong and Chandel districts if state government provides land. The minister also said implementation of National Food Security Act will solve the issue of unavailability of PDS items in the State. He further said implementation of the Act will benefit 88% of rural population and 85% in urban areas. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who was the Chief Guest at the function said the State will face difficulties in implementing Food Security Act due to the prevailing poor financial conditions. The chief minister said if the Centre is ready to extend financial support then there is no harm in implementing the Act. Stating that FCI Regional Office exists only for namesake, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi urged the Union Minister to convert it into a full-fledged one and make it function effectively. Asserting that the State lacks adequate Food Storage facilities, the chief minister asked the Union Minister to construct more food storage facilities. He further said the State government will try to give land for construction of Food Storage Depots in Tamenglong and Chandel districts.   While, the upcoming Food Storage Depot in Bishnupur district will have 5000 metric tonne storage capacity, the one coming up in Sawombung will have a storage capacity of 10000 metric tonne. After laying the foundation stone, Ram Vilas Paswan left for Delhi at around 10:30 am.