IMPHAL, September 21: The Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Manipur today said in a press release that the body has today apprised the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West District by submitting a representation to intervene personally into the act of illegal collection of Rs. 5/- (Rupees five) per application form for the prescribed format in connection with identification as eligible household under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) under the National Food Security Act, 2013 in respect of Imphal West District, Manipur by the staff of the office of the District Supply Officer, Imphal West District, Manipur.
It has been mentioned in the said representation that in the notice dated September 11, 2013 issued by the Office of the District Supply Officer, (CAF & PD), Imphal West District, there is no reflection in the said notification that requires the demanding of unlawful fees from the general public. Therefore, a public servant is to serve the public rather than exploiting the public, it said.
HRLN has submitted the said representation to the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West District to personally intervene on his part and immediately restrain the District Supply Officer and his staff from further demanding unlawful fees while issuing the said forms.
At the same time, those who have been charged of the said fees while obtaining the forms prior to his intervention need to be refunded at the earliest. HRLN will take further course of legal action in the event of inaction on the part of the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West District, Manipur, it said.