Karam Shyam assures sufficient supply of rice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 09 2020: CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam has categorically stated that there would be no shortage of rice in the State on account of the country-wide lockdown compelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to media persons at his Lilong Chajing Mairenkhong residence this afternoon, Karam Shyam said that the State Government led by Chief Minister N Biren has taken up stringent measures to control and contain COVID-19 in the State.

The Government has also been working hard to minimise the impacts of the lockdown on the public, he said.

Taking serious note of the prevailing situation, the Central Government recently launched Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to help economically weaker sections of the society in different forms.

PMGKY has a component called Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) under which food grains including rice would be provided to the poor free of cost.

Under PMGKAY, 5 kgs of rice would be provided free of cost to each eligible individual for three months (April to June).

For the State of Manipur, 2,00,500 people listed as AAY beneficiaries and 22,56,282 people listed under Priority Household would get the benefits given under PMGKAY.

For this new scheme, the State has already procured 1002.50 quintals of rice and another 11,281.405 quintals of rice, informed the CAF&PD Minister adding that this scheme is not related to NFSA.

He said that distribution of rice under PMGKAY would begin soon and there may arise the need for some minor local adjustments.

Moreover, the State has started purchasing rice from the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) at the rate of Rs 22.50 per Kg.

Whereas the State Government proposed purchase of 10,000 MT of rice from OMSS, the Prime Minister's Office suggested that the particular quantity of rice may be procured after distribution of rice allotted under PMGKAY, Shyam conveyed.

Nonetheless, in the first phase, 5000 quintals of rice was purchased from OMSS and released.

Another 5000 quintals would be procured soon.

As rice allotted to the State under NFSA and PMGKAY cannot be touched, the demand for rice purchased from OMSS has been rising, said the CAF&PD Minister.

Saying that there would not be shortage of rice, Karam Shyam asserted that there is no case of diverting rice to markets or distribution of the staple food items fraudulently for profit.

It is rather unfortunate that some elements were trying to project Government officials and staff who were only doing their duty in the wrong light, he remarked.

It is also a matter of grave concern that some Ministers and ruling MLAs seemed poised to blame each other even as the whole State has been passing through a very critical phase, Karam Shyam said.

Talking about a news video clip telecast in a local TV channel and later circulated in social media, the CAF&PD Minister maintained that what was said in the video clip was wrong.

Personal matters should not be expressed at public platforms or in media, he asserted.

It is true that NFSA beneficiaries at some places of Langthabal AC have not been given their full share of rice and one month's allocation of rice has not yet been lifted, Shyam admitted.

There are 40 polling stations in Langthabal AC and full share of NFSA rice was distributed in most polling stations.

But in some polling stations, local clubs took over all the rice and distributed food grains to all households irrespective of whether they hold NFSA cards or not.

One month's allocation of rice has not yet been lifted for Langthabal AC and some other constituencies.

Generally the process of lifting rice starts on the 15th of very month and actual lifting is done after the 20th day.

There was a general strike on March 21 followed by public curfew on the next day, and the public curfew was succeeded by the ongoing country-wide lockdown.

As a result, one month's allocation of rice could not be lifted, Shyam elaborated.

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