Imphal, July 6: Amidst criticism over non –recipients of PDS rice at various part of the state, CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam today said that agents of PDS rice from various districts of the state are yet to lift 90,550.90 quintal of rice from the FCS godown.
Speaking to reporters during press conference held today afternoon at the Chief Minister Bungalow, Karam Shyam said that rice quotas under National Food Security Act for the month of April, May and June has already been procured by the state government however as the agents who are responsible for distribution of the PDS rice to the people still do not claim and lifted their share of rice some beneficiaries are yet to get their allotted share.
A beneficiary is entitled to get 5 Kg of rice at the rate of Rs. 3 per kg under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). There are complaints from beneficiaries over not receiving of the allotted share. Some complaints of not getting the PDS rice for even a month.
Karam Shyam said that after the state government had banned the sales of PDS rice in the market there are complaints from sections of people like those running schools, hostels etc. over their difficulties in buying rice from the market. In order to sort out the difficulties the CAF& PD is all set to procure additional 12 matric ton of rice for open sales to the needy at the rate of Rs. 22 per kg. Those wanted to procured can get the rice by applying applications to the concern department, the CAF and PD Minister Karam Shyam said..
The Minister further said that of the total allotted rice in Thoubal district for the month of April, May and June agents are yet to lift 25,075.95 quintal of rice, For Bishnupur district 20,351.70 quintal of rice remain at the FCS godown , 23, 700 quintal for the Imphal East district not lifted by the concern agents, 18,144.05 quintal of rice for Phezerol district and 20,800.3 quintal of rice for Tengnoupal and Chandel district still not lifted by the respective agents.
Karam, Shyam appeals all concerns to lift the rice for distribution to the beneficiaries at the earliest possible time. He further added that state quotas for the month of July is already sanction and the state government will procure it soon.
Over 90000 Quintal of rice to be distributed under NFSA still not lifted by agents
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