Thangmeiband MLA cracks whip against PDS theft
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30 2012:
Along with the nailing of an officer of the CAF and PD department and his accomplice for swindling PDS items meant for Thangmeiband AC sanctioned for March, a police complaint is in the offing agaisnt the alleged misappropriation of kerosene under PDS.
Speaking to newspersons today at his Thangmeiband residence, MLA Kh Joykishan said the PDS items meant for Thangmeiband AC for the month of March were withdrawn by a former local MLA's nominee in cahoot with the CAF and PD official.
He said repeated reminders to the department resulted in the recovery of the swindled PDS items which would be distributed to the public from tomorrow.
He said the same would be distributed to beneficiaries of Ward No 1,2, 3 and 25 of the locality tomorrow.
Joykishan further demanded appropritate action against the corrupt official who embezzled the items in collaboration with some self seeking nominees.
He said a shocking revelation was found when the transport contractors refused to transport PDS rice from FCS godown on the ground of low transportation fare.
Even the DSO of Imphal West is in the dark about the existence of transport contractors.
This shows that funds were withdrawn in the name of the transport contractors and labourers by someone at the helm of the affairs.
Drawing the attention of the Minister concerned in this regard, the MLA also urged not to release funds for transportation of rice without the signature of the concerned MLA.
Striking a tough posture, Joykishan further demanded immediate clarification from the DSO of Imphal West as to why the rate of APL, BPL and AAY rice has been hiked against the nominal rate fixed by the Government.
He said the cost of APL rice which is fixed at Rs 8.56 per Kg is charged Rs 9.Likewise, the rates of BPL and AAY rice which are fixed at Rs 5.91 and Rs 3.26 per kg were charged Rs 6.20 and Rs 3.30 respectively.
The MLA also conveyed that the DC of Imphal West had assured him of clarifying the reason for non-disbursement of PDS items, wheat and floor (atta) to the beneficiaries of the AC .