MLA Seikh Noorul Hassan of Kshetrigao AC has addressed allegations concerning the collection of NFSA rice for March in response to claims by the director of CAF and PD that he and his workers forcefully seized rice from the Sowombung FCI depot.
According to the MLA, the rice was collected from the FCI Depot by him and FPS agents of the constituency in line with an announcement by the CAF and PD minister, urging local MLAs, workers, and agents to retrieve their quota of rice.
Speaking to the media at his residence in Imphal East, MLA Hassan expressed his disappointment, labeling the accusations against him as “unfounded wild allegations.”
He further described the claims as a “conspiracy” aimed at looting public rice, emphasising that the distribution of NFSA rice is not merely a scheme but a constitutional right of the public.
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He stated that the rice quota lifted from the FCI depot had been duly distributed to the rightful beneficiaries, except for a truckload which reportedly went missing en route to its destination at Sangaiprou FCI depot.
In this regard, the MLA called upon the relevant authorities to ensure the return of the missing truckload to the Fair Price Shop (FPS) agents of Kshetrigao AC for proper distribution among the beneficiaries.
Moreover, he raised concerns regarding the non-release of NFSA rice quota for the preceding four months (November 2023 to February 2024) and demanded swift action to rectify the situation.
He even went on to caution of initiating legal proceedings against the offices, the rice quote for the four months are not released at the earliest.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the alleged irregularities and negligence of the District Supply Officer (DSO) of Imphal East, Hassan called for the suspension and investigation of the DSO. Furthermore, he accused certain entities of openly selling NFSA rice, still in its original packaging, in local markets at inflated prices ranging from Rs. 1,300 to Rs. 1,400 per bag and sought clarification from the department in this regard.
