Dimapur, May 3 (MExN): ACAUT Nagaland today alleged that most of the genuine beneficiaries in the State under Public Distribution System (PDS) do not receive their share of food grains and the few that receive are given food grains of inferior quality. A survey by ACAUT also found that for most part, the allocation happens only in departmental papers, according to a press release from Media Cell, ACAUT Nagaland.
ACAUT Nagaland questioned the State Food & Civil Supplies Department, which is responsible for PDS, why it has still not issued Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) despite being reminded. It pointed out that NIT has not been called for past several years. “Despite many contractors having proved their incapability by issuing power of attorney to third parties, why has the department extended their contract year after year?” it queried.
The organization demanded that the department immediately issue NIT for awarding contract for super-stockiest, stockiest, suppliers, transporters and immediately remove nominees as it is unconstitutional and blacklist all the firms which have issued power of attorney.
Further, ACAUT Nagaland reminded the State Government to follow through on the assurance given by the Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to give rice or other commodity that is a staple food in Nagaland in lieu of Atta and wheat, “as it was absurd to receive 30% of food grains which is not part of the staple diet of the Nagas.”
Meanwhile, ACAUT Nagaland requested all tribal apex bodies, mothers, students, youth organizations, churches and ACAUT units of respective districts to form a public Ombudsman/Vigilance and ensure that the mentioned allocation as shown in the chart (see table) reaches the real deserving beneficiaries.
