In response to the ongoing controversy and delays in the distribution of NFSA rice in Kshetrigao AC, the CAF&PD on Tuesday issued a detailed clarification, addressing various issues that have plagued the distribution process.
Speaking at a press conference held at the DIPR Office in Imphal, Robertson Asem, the director of CAF&PD shed light on the persistent challenges faced since September and October of 2023 regarding the distribution of NFSA rice to beneficiaries in the constituency.
He emphasised the necessity of verifying genuine NFSA beneficiaries, urging those who have not yet undergone verification to do so promptly in accordance with the notification issued on April 29.
Efforts to distribute rice have been repeatedly thwarted, primarily due to issues such as beneficiaries not possessing necessary identification cards and disruptions reportedly caused by workers affiliated with Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, he alleged.
The director further accused MLA Hassan and his associates of intimidating the District Supply Officer, Imphal West, and allegedly misappropriating NFSA rice intended for distribution in March.
In a bid to resolve the ongoing crisis, Asem announced that the distribution process has been initiated to ensure that all verified beneficiaries receive the pending six months’ worth of rice entitlements.
He urged unverified beneficiaries to approach the District Supply Officer, Imphal East, at the earliest opportunity for verification.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Asem stated that both the chief minister and the Minister of CAF&PD are actively overseeing the situation to ensure that every genuine beneficiary receives their entitlements without further delay.
He also dismissed allegations leveled against the CAF&PD Minister by MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan as unwarranted.
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