Ukhrul, Chingai FCS agents warn of intense stir
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang

Ukhrul, March 02 2024: With the relevant authorities failing to fulfil their demands despite repeated appeals, Ration Agents' Associations of 44-Ukhrul AC and 45-Chingai AC have warned of launching intense agitation if their long pending transport and margin money is not released by March 6.Briefing media persons in this regard in Ukhrul town on Saturday, 44-Ukhrul Ration Agents' Association president Luingam Lunghar stated that FCS agents operating in Ukhrul assembly constituency (AC) and Chingai AC have not been provided with the stipulated transportation cost for the last two years and also margin money for many months.

"Once again, we appeal to the authorities concerned to fulfil our long-pending demands latest by March 6, failing which we would be compelled to launch stringent agitation immediately," warned Lunghar.

He said that the aggrieved agents had apprised authorities concerned of their demands repeatedly, but have remained unfulfilled till date.

According to Lunghar, the 44-Ukhrul Ration Agents' Association, on behalf of all the 101 FCS agents (ID card holders) of Ukhrul constituency, submitted a memorandum to chief minister N Biren Singh through Ukhrul deputy commissioner Zuringla Kengoo on February 27 last, with copies of the same forwarded to CAF&PD minister L Susindro Singh and Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, requesting immediate payment of the pending transportation and margin money.

Lunghar stressed that non-payment of the transportation and margin money for PMGKAY and NFSA to the FCS agents, for a prolonged period has only added to the struggles of their livelihood.

He explained that the agents have been shouldering the burden of transportation costs and labour expenses for loading and unloading of ration for the past 24 months, which should have been covered by the transport contractor and relevant department under the PM's flagship programme.

"This has left the 101 agents of Ukhrul constituency with no other choice but to unanimously decide to launch a democratic form of agitation if their demands are not met by the first week of March 2024," he said.

At the same time, Lunghar pleaded that before clearing the outstanding payments, the relevant department should not entertain any new agents or replace the existing ones and requested that the authorities refrain from advertising notifications for new agents.

The agents also pointed out that while margin money entitled is Rs 65 per quintal, the rate of transport cost has never been disclosed to them since the transport contractor stationed at the depot failed to provide the same even once.

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