IT News
Imphal, April 1:
In light of the recent upheaval stemming from the forcible seizure of NFSA rice from the Sawombung FCI Warehouse MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan and his associates on March 30, 2024, Robertson Ashem, the Director of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAF and PD), addressed the media at the DIPR auditorium. His aim was to shed light on the discrepancies surrounding the distribution of NFSA rice and the violations of the model code of conduct.
Robertson commenced his discourse by delving into the findings of a field verification conducted by civil supply inspectors in Imphal East. This inspection, initiated on December 1, 2023, aimed to identify instances of NFSA rice not reaching the intended beneficiaries. The subsequent report, submitted to the District Supply Officer (DSO), Imphal East, unearthed concerning irregularities: FPS shops had failed to distribute NFSA rice for the months of September and October, and ration cards were illicitly retained by the FPS shops instead of being issued to cardholders.
In response to these revelations, complaints were filed with the Imphal East police station on December 14, 2023, and subsequently on December 28, 2023, by 18 individuals, citing the non-distribution of NFSA rice for the following three months. These complaints spurred action, leading to a report confirming the distribution of monthly quotas of NFSA rice, submitted to the DSO Imphal East on March 20, 2024.
Against this backdrop, Robertson made a fervent appeal for the return of the looted NFSA rice, emphasizing its importance for regular distribution through FPS Shops. He underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting how the illicit seizure of NFSA rice not only violates the sanctity of the electoral process but also deprives deserving individuals of essential sustenance.
Robertson further illuminated additional breaches of the model code of conduct, recounting the vandalism of the DSO Imphal East office on March 19, 2024. This aggressive act stemmed from the submission of new FPS registration forms after the deadline had lapsed on March 12, 2024. He ensured that these transgressions were promptly reported to the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, for necessary action.
