NFSA rice for Kshetrigao not meant for rats: MLA
MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan criticized the delay in NFSA rice distribution in Kshetrigao AC, emphasizing that the CAF&PD officials should prioritize public interest. He condemned the eight-month delay and FIR against him for collecting rice, asserting his commitment to ensuring beneficiaries receive their rightful allocation. Hassan also highlighted issues within the department, including alleged bribery and improper selection of FPS agents, and vowed to continue fighting for justice for his constituents.
It is better for the CAF and PD Minister and officials to work in the interest of the people of Kshetrigao AC. Political power is not permanent,” MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan of Kshetrigao AC declared on Thursday.
During a press meet held at his residence in Imphal, the MLA addressed recent developments surrounding the delayed distribution of rice, emphasising the crucial role of the minister and officials in the CAF&PD department in upholding public interest.
He reiterated his steadfast commitment to ensuring the rightful distribution of NFSA rice to beneficiaries in his constituency.
Highlighting the core issue, Hassan expressed concern over the delay in rice distribution for eight months, pointing out that this neglect was only addressed following public outcry and protests.
He highlighted the necessity of prompt action in delivering essential commodities to the people, asserting that any delays were unjustifiable.
According to the MLA, the controversy began when NFSA rice for Kshetrigao AC was not distributed from November 2023 to March 2024.
Despite multiple appeals to officials of the CAF&PD department, including a letter to the Minister of CAF&PD and the DSO, Imphal East on March 19, requesting the distribution of the pending rice, no action was initially taken, the MLA said.
On March 21, the minister publicly invited the concerned MLA to collect the rice from the godown, leading him to collect rice for the month of March, he said, adding however, this move resulted in the DSO, Imphal East filing an FIR against him.
Addressing the FIR, Hassan questioned the basis of the complaint, questioning “Is the invitation of the minister and attempt to lodge an FIR against me justified?”.
“The NFSA rice for the beneficiaries of Kshetrigao AC is not meant to be kept in godowns and feed the rats,” the MLA stated.
He stressed that his actions were aimed at delivering rice to the rightful beneficiaries, even if it meant facing multiple FIRs.
“If the FIR was filed for delivering the NFSA rice to the rightful beneficiaries instead of feeding it to rats, I am not scared to face thousands of FIRs for my people,” he said.
Hassan further explained that according to the director of CAF&PD, the rice distribution process was halted after a complaint to the chief minister about not receiving NFSA rice for September and October 2023.
However, he clarified that the beneficiaries had already received the rice for those months, and the department had provided a utilisation certificate. He questioned the issuance of the certificate if the rice had not been distributed by FPS agents.
The prolonged delay, lasting eight months, was criticized by Hassan, who accused the department of neglecting the beneficiaries and not cooperating with efforts to resolve the issue. “Keeping the distribution process pending for eight months on account of verification and starting only after public protest. Is this rightful?” he questioned, adding that he was denied appointments with the DSO, Imphal East, and the director of CAF&PD for four months.
Hassan addressed accusations from CAF&PD officials, who claimed that he and his supporters had intimidated them and disrupted the rice distribution process.
He dismissed these allegations, emphasising his responsibility to ensure that the people of his constituency receive their rightful NFSA rice.
He also highlighted issues within the department, such as alleged bribery involving the DSO, Imphal East, for the renewal and issuance of new ration cards, and the selection of new FPS agents with questionable backgrounds, including those accused of POCSO and NDPS cases.
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing justice for NFSA beneficiaries and ensuring that every grain of rice reaches its intended recipients without delay or diversion.
“My duty is to safeguard the interest of the people of my constituency, and not a single grain of rice can be lost from the quota of the NFSA beneficiaries of Kshetrigao AC,” he stated firmly.
Source Link : https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/nfsa-rice-for-kshetrigao-not-meant-for-rats-mla
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