Newly formed body to campaign for PDS
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 20 2013 : A conglomerate body christened 'Unified People Struggle Committee' has been formed today to pursue and intensify campaign for ensuring availability of public distribution system (PDS) items to the targeted beneficiaries.

formation of the Committee was decided at a 'people's meet' organised today by All Manipur Democratic Women's Front at Manipur Press Club wherein representatives of different organisations were also present.

Aimed at exposing alleged mal-practices by officials concerned and elected people's representatives and its impact falling upon the common people who are denied their full share/quota of PDS items, a seven-member advisory committee was approved at the Meet along with deciding to constitute district level committees.

Among others the meet also resolved to apprise Deputy Commissioners concerned for ensuring provision of PDS items to the people within January 30 failing which mass movement would be launched on the next day (February 1) .

It has also been decided to stage demonstration at the national capital in case State authorities fail to take relevant steps and submit memorandum to the Central Government to take effective measures to addressing the matter.

As chief guest of the public discussion, All Manipur working Journalists' union president A Mobi opined that intervention by unauthorised elements might be one of the factors for the people unable to access PDS items.

He, nevertheless, asserted that it would be without justification if such unseen elements are blamed for the suffering of the masses as sincerity and commitment of the Government officials would certainly ensure streamlining the distribution mechanisms and ensuring prescribed quantity to earmarked families.

Noting that from a rice-surplus State in the mid-1960s Manipur is today dependent on food items brought in from other States, Mobi also acknowledged that it might be a difficult task to work out number of families that should be covered with PDS item provision as most families possess modern electronic gadgets and live a comparatively comfortable lifestyle.

Citing the people's yearning for lavish lifestyles through easy money, he mooted that such concept often leads to stealing goods by ordinary citizens with influential officials also indulging in similar acts but on a larger scale.

Leader of the scribes' body also suggested that people closely scrutinise credentials of candidates before they are elected as a representative and approach the court of law in case there is any information about discrepancies on PDS item distribution.

Representatives of other organisations in their addresses, lamented that rampant corruption had been gradually derailing all administrative mechanisms with the end result being the common people made to struggle for livelihood.

They also regretted that in a tiny state like Manipur corruption is the only sector able to make rapid progress while the people continue to suffer compared to the elected representatives getting wealthier.

The speakers further construed that there would be semblance of development in Manipur only when the people are ensured their full quota of PDS items.

Senior Citizens for Society N Binoy Singh, All Manipur Transport Association president Ng Haridas, All Manipur inter state Bus Service Association advisor Budha Luwang, advocate M Paikhomba Singh, All Manipur Ima Keithel Semgat Lup joint secretary Radhesana, All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers' and Pullers' Association president Th Basanta Singh and All Manipur Private Schools' Welfare Association president Namoijam Tomba also attended the 'public meet' .

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