Dimapur, March 30 (MExN): The Director, Food & Civil Supplies, Dimapur on Monday issued a clarification on its earlier order asking Fair Price Shops to deposit 3 months’ cost for FPS rice.
Earlier several organizations including the Dimapur District Village Council Chairmen's Association (DDVCCA) wrote to the Director stating that the order was “is in total contradiction to the GOI,” and that it was not practical for village FPS’ to stock rice for 2 months with no proper godowns.
In his clarification, the Director said that “the announcement of providing ‘free rice/ food grains’ by Finance Ministry, GOI to the eligible beneficiaries is an additional program under PMGKAY besides the normal allocation,” for which necessary action are under process by the Department.
As such, it said that the Department decided to lift the foodgrains from FCI in advance so that our people will not suffer in case the present situation escalates. The Ministry of Food & Public Distribution had also directed all the states to lift rice/wheat for three months in advance in order to ensure timely availability of food grains in sufficient quantity to the beneficiaries of NFSA, it added.
“In an emergency situation like this, when the Government is facilitating lifting in advance so that enough food grains are made available in the interest of the beneficiaries, the village functionaries should find ways and means to stock the commodities meant for the beneficiaries under their care and should there be any problem, can always approach the appropriate authority for assistance,” the press release stated.
Further, the Department sought the cooperation of every citizen as it works towards ensuring that the people of the state do not suffer in case the present situation escalates.
