Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01 2010:
People Platform Secretariat has demanded the State Government for proper distribution of PDS items to the people of every district by implementing the scheme in right way.
The demand was made on the first day of a two-day convention on Right to Food which kick started at State Youth Hostel today.
Delegates coming from different districts of the State minutely deliberated on the manner of implementing PDS in the State.
The convention organised by People Platform Secretariat observed that the present condition of PDS is unfortunate.
Demanding immediate review of APL, BPL and AAY card holders, the convention pressed the Government for proper implementation of PDS.
It also demanded for rekindling of PDS business committees at district and sub-divisional levels.
Speaking in the convention, Convenor of Social Action Platform, Bishnupur, O Nobin complained that APL, BPL and AAY card holders get only 10-15 kgs of rice per month against the real quota of 35 kgs.
Informing that people get very less benefit from PDS in Chandel district, Widow Welfare Society President Khitung stated people have got 15 kgs of rice twice for this year in Chandel headquarters.
She added that nothing is made available in the name of PDS in the interior five blocks of the district.
Indigenous Women and Children Foundation President Asongdin Kamei informed the gathering that PDS rice is distributed once or twice a year to the people of district headquarters in Tamenglong.
There is no use of AAY, APL and BPL cards in the district, Asongdin added.
A delegate from Sadar Hills said that no PDS item can be seen in hill districts.
20 kgs of sugar which is distributed to each family during Christmas time is the only PDS item which reach poor villagers in Sadar Hills, he lamented.