Minister clarifies over rice distribution irregularities

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, June, 19, 2019: Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister Karam Shyam today said the government make sure that the distribution of rice to the 60 Assembly Constituencies of Manipur is done on a regular basis through fair price shops and that the whole record and utilization certificate of the distribution are well- maintained.

The minister made this clarification in a press conference convened today at his  Old Sectretariat  office in connection with the claims made by Khurai Kendra MLA L. Susindro  Meitei in various TV channels on  June 17 that he had already taken 6 months rice for the years 2017-18 and 2018 -19 and no positive action has been undertaken even after registering a police complaint by the deserving public.

He also assured that as the concerned minister he sincerely feels the NFSA rice items should reach the hand of those deserving citizens of the state and will take necessary action to nab those responsible in case of any leakage with the help of pradhans, zilla parishads and councillors.

Shyam told reporters that the government made sincere efforts to clear the public dues with a huge sum of Rs. 24 crores they received as subsidies from the Centre in 2017-18 and Rs 19 crores and another Rs 5 crores in 2018 and 19 respectively.

At present, a maximum of 87 %  foodgrains  are distributed to the public, he also stated.

He further elaborated that they had requested the Central Government to review the pending process in the distribution of the Welfare Institute of Hostel Scheme due to the recent General Elections Code of conduct and communicaton lapse.

Stating that the scarcity of local foodgrains is mainly due to floods and insecticides attack, he said that such grains are not priced below Rs. 40 in any state of the country. They are mostly sold in the price range of Rs.40-50 in the market, he added.

The minister also assured that they will pressurise the Centre to make the food grains available at minimum support rates i.e. Rs 24.76 per kg after discussion with related officials and minimize the burden of the public.