VCLA clarifies on missing rice issue
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 30 2023:
While urging communities and government official to join hands in maintaining peace and harmony, Villages Council Longmai Area (VCLA) has appealed to all concerned not to be misled by rumour or indulge in the same.
In a release, VCAL secretary publicity G Pouhoilung informed that owing to food grain shortage and panic among the public due to the restive situation in Manipur, people settling along NH-37 particularly Noney district headquarters in early part of May, 2023 led by the council in collaboration with RNCM, Longmai Luangrian Longmai Bazar Board, RNSOM, LSU and LYT, had on persuasion, distributed FCI grain (rice) on the basis of payment at Rs 1500 per bag of 50 Kg .
In all, 12 trucks were requisitioned by the CSOs after request were made to the drivers and contractors concerned and the rice off-loaded in each of the surrounding villages where local volunteers took responsibilities for the sale.
However, it was learnt that 3 to 4 bags were found missing in each of the vehicle as compared to the number of bags mentioned in the challan receipt which according to the drivers were self-appropriated as they were running out of expenses as they were stranded along the highway, the council explained, while adding that in another case, the CSOs came across missing bags of rice numbering 10 to 15 from each truck which were sold out at lower rate.
However, the CSOs could not make the payment on spot due to the fact that, they had to wait for the payment by all the villages concerned and after the collection of the amount the CSOs had to make several round of appeals and request to the district administration and other department concerned to officially receive the amount but, unfortunately, were informed that it has to go through official formalities and protocols.
"Therefore, the amount was kept in our custody with great risk.
Due to repeated request the district administration finally agreed to receive the amount with all the details of the vehicles and grain receipt on May 30 2023 .
Therefore, we appeal to all communities, Department and official concerned, not to be misinformed or taken otherwise howsoever, the release appealed, while clarifying that the CSOs had stepped in the best interest of all concerned hoping to avoid any kinds of violence or misappropriation by the panicky public.