Imphal, October 22 2010: Rice allocated for public distribution under various schemes like APL, BPL and AAY in respect of Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts are finding their way into the open market of Jiribam without ever reaching the people of the two hill districts.

It has been discovered that the rice quota lifted for the two districts from FCI godown of Jiribam are being sold openly in Jiri market and the shopkeepers are reaping the maximum benefit of the rice they bought relatively at a cheaper rate.

One can notice the shopkeepers of Jiribam getting excited at the sight of rice loaded trucks meant for the two said districts as they would get the chance of purchasing the rice at a lower price.

According to information received from the FCI godown at Jiribam, at least 272 quintal of rice are lifted for Vangai Range and Shibapurikhal of Churachandpur and around 1200 to 2500 quintal for Tamenglong every month.

Unfortunately, the whole quota of rice meant for distribution among the people of these two districts are unfailingly falling into the wrong hands.

One shopkeeper in Jiribam market disclosed, on condition of anonymity that he has been buying the rice from the agents of Churachandpur and Tamenglong district for the past few months at a price ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 1800 per quintal.

''I am very pleased to buy the rice from these agents as the stuff come at a very cheap rate in comparison to the market rate'', the shopkeeper added.

Echoing the same, another shopkeeper admitted that these rice agents from Churachandpur and Tamenglong district have helped him to grow his business to a great extent.

Commenting on the matter, a social activist in Jiribam suggested that the common people and civil organisations of Churachandpur and Tamenglong should not remain mute spectators when their due share is being siphoned off but be alert and exert pressure on the authorities concerned so that the guilty persons are punished.

Comment