Cases of missing subsidised rice likely to multiply
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2017: As subsidised rice distributed under National Food Security Act (NFSA) through public distribution system has been made much cheaper, chances of misappropriation of the same commodity has been growing reciprocally.

Two primary reasons for the growing chances of misappropriating subsidised rice is the extremely cheap price (Rs 3 per Kg) which has been fuelling huge demands and huge profits entailed in selling it in markets.

Distribution of rice at Rs 3 per Kg under NFSA in the State has not been very fair since the month of November last year.

The situation grew worse since December.

From December till March this year, there was hardly any report of distributing rice at Rs 3 per Kg, informed a source in CAF&PD Department.

There were many places where subsidised rice was not distributed not for one month or two but for four/five months at a stretch between November last year and December this year.

Non-distribution of rice implied 'disappearance' of rice and there were reports about deep involvement of contractors.

MLAs who should closely monitor contractors only directed them to act in such a way that they are acceptable to public because their primary concern was winning elections.

Monthly quota of rice entitled to the State under NFSA is 1,17,96,560 Kgs.

Each member of selected priority households should be given 5 Kgs and 35 Kgs to AAY card holder households in a month at the rate of Rs 3 per Kg.

It is Rs 3,53,89,680 which would be collected from distributing 1,17,96,560 Kgs of rice at Rs 3 per Kg.

On the other hand, the same grade of rice is sold at Rs 25 to 28 per Kg in the market.

If one assumes that the PDS rice is sold at Rs 15 per Kg in the market, one can collect Rs 17,69,48,400 from selling the State's monthly quota of 1,17,96,560 Kgs of rice.

There is also possibility of earning extra profit if the PDS rice is sold at places or markets close to godowns rather than taking them afar by doing away transport charges.

Only Imphal West, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Senapati and Jiribam districts have FCI godowns whereas Chandel, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Tamenglong have no FCI godowns.

Those districts which do not have FCI godowns of their own lift rice from Sangaiprou or Koirengei godowns after 'dispatch' notes are issued by officials concerned.

When the rice allocations reach their respective districts, the District Supply Officers concerned would receive them and they would generate permits for further sub-allocation to agents.

Two Bills for lifting rice from Sangaiprou and Koirengei godowns and for further distribution to agents would also be generated as transportation charges.

As fixed by FCI, transportation charge for one quintal of rice is Rs 2.08 for every one Km.

In case, rice lifted from Sangaiprou and Koirengei godowns is sold off mid-way without taking them to their designated destinations, there are possibilities of earning extra money by obtaining transportation charges, informed the source.

As huge money can be earned from swindling PDS rice provided under NFSA, there is a strong possibility that misappropriation cases of PDS rice may multiply, added the source.

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