KOHIMA, DECEMBER 19 (DIPR): The Department of Food and Civil Supplies today informed that it had appointed 9 transportation cum-Handling Agent, for Priority House Holds (PHH) food grains under NFSA from November2016 to March 2017, who were responsible for procurement of food grains from the FCl, storage and transportation of food grains to all the centers.
They are M/s A. Pongshi Phom; Sky Enterprise; M/s Bendang lmchen; M/s Jemti Ao; Z. Lotha; M/s Dennis Zeliang; M/s Chenithung Jami; M/s NM Ovung and M/s Vitoi Sumi.
The department stated that these 9 Transportation-cum-Handling Agents would procure the food grains from FCI as per the programme made by the department for the 11 districts. Thereafter, detail programme for each centre is worked out as per the number of PHH ration card holders of each centre. The food grains are to be kept in safe custody of the Transportation-cum Handling Agent godowns which is inspected by the departmental officials from time to time. On receipt of direction from the department, the food grains are transported to all the centers for further distribution.
It claimed that allegations of diversion of PDS food grains are checked by departmental officers to ensure that beneficiaries are not deprived. While appreciating the concern expressed by ACAUT, DUCCF, CNN, CNTC etc. regarding the alleged PDS scam, it informed that there are procedures to seek justice; not taking law into ones hands and “causing anarchic atmosphere by stirring public discontentment with allegations of corruptions targeting only one Transportation-cum-Handling Agent of PDS food grain whereas there are nine Transportation-cum-Handling Agents.”
The department informed that the state has 2 AAY food grains stockiest, namely M/s R.Z. Lotha and M/s Jemti Ao who procure and transport AAY food grains on behalf of the State. It mentioned that Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang have FCI food grains depots from where AAY food grains are procured and distributed to the beneficiaries of the 3 districts. Whereas, Zunheboto, Kohima, Dimapur, Phek, Wokha, Peren, Longleng and Kiphire are supplied food grains procured from FCI Depot at Dimapur, which are kept in godowns under custody of the State stockiest.
The department stated that while transportation of AAY food grains was in progress, “the unfortunate incident on December 9 disrupted transportation of food grains.” Therefore, it stressed on the need to resume transportation of the grains in the godown of M/s RZ Lotha immediately to the districts, “failing which beneficiaries will be deprived of their entitlement during the festive season.”
Meanwhile, it advised the public to understand the facts of the distribution system from all the districts and file necessary complaints to the authorities for appropriate action.
.JPG)
