FCI clarifies on report
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 03 2013:
Referring to the news report that appeared on Oct 3 edition under the head Transporters threat to suspend rice supply, Area Manager (Imphal) of Food Corporation of India (FCI), Kamei Gongreipou has clarified that despite the insufficient storage capacity at Imphal FCI has to bring in stocks daily both from Dimapur and Jiribam when the situation in Manipur permits so that the requirements of the State can be met even when there is bandh or highway blockade.
The FCI godown at Sangaiprou has been filled up beyond capacity of 13090 MT.
The 5000 MT capacity of State Govt.godowns at Koirengei being utilized by FCI is also almost filled to the capacity.
Because of the limited storage capacity besides shortage of labourers the loaded trucks have to wait for their turns for unloading for a few days.
During the last three days unloading has been slowed down due to Quarterly Physical Verification of stocks at all FCI godowns, G Kamei said.
As of date, 51 trucks were released at Sangaiprou and the remaining 115 trucks will be released in the next two days as the State Govt.has started lifting its monthly quota.
Trucks unloading has been slow at Koirengei godowns due to small capacity of the Weighbridge (30 MT) and the poor condition of the road inside the godown campus, the FCI Area Manager stated.
Previously the State Govt used to lift its monthly quota in advance which is not the case this time.
FCI has requested the State Govt.to lift it monthly quota regularly and in advance so that there will be no inordinate detention of trucks.
Regarding amenities at the depot premises the existing facilities have been strained because of handling labourers stationed inside the campus.
The Corporation acknowledges the difficulties faced by the transporters in the interest of the public.
FCI Sangaiprou godown is being upgraded to a model depot and things will improve in the coming months.
The old AC roofs of the godowns have been replaced with profile sheets and the estimate for internal road repairing is being examined by the competent authority.
Contract has been awarded recently for construction of Canteen and public toilet and work has started.
State PHED has already been requested to restore water connection, Kamei clarified.