Rice to be available in open market from today
Depleted water sources cited for shortage
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12 2023:
Minister for CAF and PD, L Susindro has maintained that rice will be made available in the open market in 10 select districts from May 13 .
Speaking to media persons at his Khurai Sajor Leikai residence, L Susindro allayed fear of food scarcity among all in the aftermath of the unfortunate communal clash by maintaining that the State has stock of PDS rice for 4 months.
The stock for cooking gas, petrol and diesel will last for a few days, he said.
On water, which has been a very big issue for the past few months, Susindro said that the Government has taken note of the depleted sources like Singda Dam.
The most immediate concern the non beneficiaries of rice distributed under National Food Security Act (JSTFSA) are facing for the time being is the scarcity of rice in the market, he said while maintaining that the State is well prepared to sell rice in open market in 10 districts viz- Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, Ukhrul, Senapati, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Jiribam at the rate of Rs
34 per kg (Government rate) and quantity per head (or consumer) capped at 10 kg .
The open market will be continuously opened at Keishampat community hall for Imphal West, Lamlong Keithel for Imphal East, Kakching Keithel, Bishnupur Keithel, Senapati Keithel, Churachandpur Keithel, and Jiribam Keithel he said.
The Government is also planning to incorporate more items in this open market sale scheme in the coming days, he said while appealing to those vending essential commodities including' rice, pulses and edible oil to not hike prices of the said items.
Speaking further Susindro said that the Government has taken note of the depleted water sources like Singda Dam.
Nonetheless, the Government has installed around 6 filling points at Iroishemba to cater available water to the people, he said.
He also urged the locals who are resenting the arrangement instead of regular supply through pipelines, to consider the present scenario and use the filling points.