Director seeks MLA's support on rice distribution
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 30 2024: Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (CAF&PD) director Robertson Asem has called on MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan and his supporters to cooperate in ensuring regular distribution of National Food Security Act (NFSA) rice to beneficiaries of Kshetrigao assembly constituency.

Addressing the media at the DIPR complex on Tuesday, Robertson highlighted the pending distribution of NFSA rice due to various reasons and department's efforts to verify beneficiary lists to streamline the distribution process.

He urged the MLA and his supporters to assist and ensure that rice reaches the intended recipients without further delays.

The director disclosed that complaints about a two-month delay in rice distribution for Kshetrigao AC were received during an event at the Chief Minister's official residence last year.

In response, DSO, Imphal East was tasked with investigating the issue.

Pending the inquiry report, rice distribution was halted in November last year.

The DSO assigned subordinate staff to conduct field verifications on December 1 and 2, with the report submitted on December 5.The investigation found that beneficiaries had not received rice for September and October 2023, and FPS agents were reportedly withholding ration cards against guidelines.

Consequently, a complaint was filed with the SP Imphal East on December 14 against the FPS agents, elaborated the director.

Further stating that following a police inquiry, report was submitted to the DSO on March 20, indicating that rice was distributed regularly, including in September and October 2023, and that beneficiaries possessed their ration cards, contradicting earlier claims, he recounted that on March 19, the MLA and his workers threatened DSO office staff, and on March 30 forcibly lifted the March rice allocation from the FCI warehouse at Sawombung.

A complaint was subsequently filed with the police, the director said.

Further complicating matters, six women's organisations filed a complaint with the DC Imphal East on April 3, alleging that beneficiaries did not receive rice for September and October 2023, demanding clarification, handing over ration cards to beneficiaries and distribution of rice for November to March months.

Following an order from the DC, arrangements were made to distribute rice for November, December, and January.

However, beneficiaries could not produce ration cards claiming that FPS agents still held their ration cards, leading to disruptions in distribution as supporters of the MLA intervened.

This incident was reported to the DC Imphal East.

Subsequent distribution efforts revealed several fake ration cards.

On April 29, the DSO issued a notice to distribute rice after verifying ration cards, instructing beneficiaries to submit their cards to the DSO office by June 5.The chief minister and the CAF&PD minister are closely monitoring the situation, he said.

The director assured that verified beneficiaries would receive rice by September 7 and urged those who have not yet submitted their ration cards to do so promptly.

He reiterated the importance of cooperation from the local MLA and his supporters to facilitate smooth distribution.

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