Villagers receive PDS rice after 6 months of struggle
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2021:
The villagers of Tokpaching Laimang Chandon Pokpi and Heidroipokpi Leikai of Arong Nongmaikhong GP, Kakching finally received their rightfully entitled 5 kgs of rice on October 29 as 160 bags of rice were dropped off at Tokpaching.
As per a press release issued by Babloo Loitongbam, Director of Human Rights Alert, on October 29, the villagers had not received the supply of PDS rice under NFSA, 2013 and PMGKAY since April 2021 .
JAC, Tokpaching petitioned the MHRC regarding this matter after their formal complaint to DC, Kakching were ignored.
The statement further said that the MHRC passed an order directing the DC and District Supply Officer, Kakching to ensure that the required rice be distributed to all beneficiaries and to submit the compliance report to MHRC on October 10 .
The petitioner promptly submitted the list of Aadhar beneficiaries who had not yet received PDS items from April.
But the DC and DSO neither distributed the PDS items nor submitted the compliance report.
The JAC submitted an application to initiate legal proceedings against willful disobedience of MHRC's recommendations on September 11 .
But the MHRC allowed the compliance report to be filed on October 29 .
Further, a press conference which was organised on October 22, was dispersed by a police team under the pretext of violating COVID protocol.
This was followed by a lot of anger and indignation on the part of the villagers which were reflected in the local media and social media.
A negotiation also occurred where the JAC stood firm on their demand.
Finally, on the morning of October 29, 160 bags of rice were delivered to Tokpaching and the villagers rightfully got what was owed to them.