Villagers to surrender ration cards

By A Staff Reporter 

IMPHAL | Sept 13

Villagers of Bongbal Kholen today threatened to surrender their ration cards if the authority concerned fails to distribute their due share of rice under National Food Security Act (NFSA) villagers by the end of September.

Speaking to media persons, the village authority secretary, Lalpu, claimed that the villagers have not been getting their share of rice since the appointment of new PDS agents of 46/47 Bongbal Kholen in April last.

According to him, the village which is under Saikul division has nearly 500 villagers and 40 ration card holders.

The villagers have been getting 5 kgs of rice per card at the rate of Rs. 5 under NFSA till April last but it allegedly stopped after the appointment of new agent, identified as one Khaikhokam Kipgen.

He said that the matter has been apprised to the deputy commissioner of Kangpokpi on August 21 in the form of writing. However, the district authority has not been taking up any positive steps.

The village secretary demanded an explanation whether the NFSA rice is not sanctioned by the department or misappropriated by the so-called agents of the centres.

Citing the failure of the authority to distribute the rice, he termed the ration cards as worthless and threatened to surrender the cards if the demand is not fulfilled by the end of September.

While demanding the authority to make available the rice to the public under any circumstances, he also urged the authority to lodge FIR against anyone found responsible for misappropriation.