MLA Ranjit asks Govt to probe NFSA rice loss
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 10 2021:
While alleging that rice under National Food Security Act (NFSA) for the month of July-2021 could not be found amidst COVID-19 pandemic, Sugnu MLA K Ranjit said denial of basic needs to the poor people at this crucial juncture of life and death and joblessness would not be good for the present government.
The Congress MLA Tuesday inspected Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana/Package (PMGKAY) rice for the month of August-2021 for Sugnu AC being stored for distribution at Ching Tarn community hall, Sugnu.
At the sideline of the inspection, MLA K Ranjit told media persons that NFSA card holders are getting rice under PMGKAY at free of cost as per announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide the same from the month of May to November this year due to COVID-19 pandemic while each beneficiary of NFSA have already been getting 5kg rice per month at cheap rate.
However, there has been no distribution of NFSA rice for the month of July-2021, When enquired about NFSA rice for July month, officials of CAF&PD could not provide clear-cut reply.
While some said that quota for the month has been cancelled, other officials of the department replied that there will be no rice distribution for the month of July, Ranjit said adding that rice for June were distributed during July month due to late allocation.
Questioning whereabouts of NFSA rice for July month meant for distribution to poor people and to whom the huge rice had been given, the Opposition MLA said government should investigate on how the huge rice meant for the people went missing and it would never be good for the government to spoil the huge rice meant for consumption amidst the crucial period of joblessness due to COVID-19 pandemic.
He also said that it was wrong step of the government to cheat the people and loot their stomach when the pandemic hit hard the entire sector while people are suffering in the middle of life and death.