Imphal, March 05: Following confirmation after laboratory test at Guwahati of the impurity of oil sold in six oil pumps located in Imphal area, explanation calls have been issued to the oil pumps for further action, stated FCS Minister Y Erabot in the State Assembly today.

Responding to call attention motions put up by opposition MLAs, Erabot said that the initiative to test the oil samples was taken up following specific information that a large quantity of kerosene oil was mixed with petrol and diesel in petrol pumps.

Subsequently explanation calls have been used to Government Oil Depot, Kusum pump, Jakirwal pump, PCTC pump, Tuks and Bon pump and another oil pump located at Chingmeirong.

Moreover, after laboratory test of some cooking oil samples collected from different parts of the State at Guwahati to check for any animal fat content, the State Health Department has been entrusted to take up necessary actions, stated the FCS Minister.

Conceding that many deserving people are not receiving PDS rice, he recalled that even as DCs claimed that allotted quotas of rice have been distributed to beneficiaries , a large quantity of PDS rice was seized from a private godown located at Mantripukhri.

The seizure is being investigated by a committee, he informed.

During an inspection visit at Sangaiprou FCS godown in December last year, some quantity of rice was stolen by the store keeper.

In this connection, police have been searching for the absconding store keeper.

Acknowledging that UG groups take certain quantity of rice, Erabot disclosed that some Department officials have been swindling rice quota in the name of UG groups.

Stating that there were instances of pulling up LPG dealers for providing LPG cylinders with lesser weight to consumers, the FCS Minister appealed to the public to inform him in case they are provided LPG cylinders with lesser weight.

After 290 quintals of rice seized by the NSCN (IM) from nine trucks was taken over by security forces and deposited at Nungba FCS godown, two individuals claimed that the seized rice was bought by them from one individual residing at Thangal bazar.

However, on investigation by police, the supposed rice owners could not be traced, informed Erabot.

He further informed the House that there are plans to establish Consumer Courts in every district headquarters at the estimated cost of Rs 30 lakhs each.

Later a demand of Rs 7,97,82,000 for FCS Department and another demand of Rs 10,30,08,000 for Cooperation were passed by the House.

Noting that the number of visitors to the Manipur Zoological Garden has dwindled rapidly, Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra informed the House that Rs 77 lakhs are spent annually on feeding the animals of the zoo.

Responding to queries by opposition MLAs, Debendra stated that revenue collection from forest produces has improved to some extent.

He said that the incident of sighting a royal Bengal tiger at Bhalok in Tamenglong district has been intimated to Centre.

Discussing demand on Science and Information Technology Department, Phungzathang Tonsing an area of 29 acres has been acquired for establishment of a IT park at Mantripukhri at the estimated cost of Rs 10 crores under Special Plan Assistance.

The Union Government has already sanctioned Rs 9.5 crores for the proposed IT park and the same has been deposited at STPI, said the Science and Technology Minister.

On the other hand, MANIREDA has distributed 19,051 solar lighting systems to 150 unelectrified villages in Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Senapati, Chandel, Ukhrul and Bishnupur districts, Phungzathang said.

Later the House passed a demand of Rs 11,39,00,000 for the Science and Information Technology Department.

MLAs O Joy, Dr Ng Bijoy, Dr I Ibohalbi and RK Anand participated in discussing the demands by raising cut motions.

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