IMPHAL, May 8: Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF & PD) Minister Karam Shyam has made it clear that PDS rice cannot be sold in market. He was addressing a reception function held in his honour at the office of Directorate of CAF and PD at Sangaiprou. The function was jointly organised by Directorate of CAF and PD and Employees’ Union of the Directorate.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Karam Shyam who also holds the portfolio of Revenue and Weight & Measures Department said that during his meeting with Chief Minister N Biren, the latter submitted him an EO note instructing to put a ban on selling subsidised PDS rice meant for public in market.
He said that the EO note was handed over to each of the official who took part in the meeting. The Minister appealed to the Commissioner and Director of the Directorate to issue an order in this regard and cautioned that those who sell subsidised PDS rice in market will be arrested and appropriate action will be taken up against them.
CAF & PD earlier known as Food and Civil Supplies is being seen as a corrupt Department by people. There have been allegations that public representatives and transport contractors manipulated quota for PDS rice meant for public, he admitted.
Clarifying that neither can he cancel quota for PDS rice nor no one can load PDS rice without the consent of the officials concerned , the Minister emphasised on the role of the public representatives in ensuring proper distribution of PDS rice. He called upon officers and staff of the Directorate to perform their duty honestly and dedicatedly.
Karam Shyam assured that he will not ever take advantage of being a Minister and will not ever fall prey to wrong suggestions from the Commissioner and Director of the Directorate. Saying that he is open to discussion with staff and employees of the Directorate regarding their grievances, he instructed CAF & PD Director to ask those security forces who are occupying the rest house inside the Directorate to vacate the place. The reception function was followed by a farewell programme for retired employees on superannuation of the Directorate.
CAF & PD Director Ranjan Yumnam, former Principal Secretary (CAF & PD) BB Sharma, Commissioner (CAF & PD) K Radhakumar, Finance Officer (CAF & PD) Agang Kabui, DSOs SA Halim and N Jayenta were present at the occasion as president and guests of honour respectively.
Source: The Sangai Express
