Imphal, August 22: Rice quota for Imphal East district which could not be lifted due to restriction by some UG groups was lifted today from the FCS godown at Sangaiprou under the personal supervision of Food and Civil Supplies (FCS) Minister Y Erabot.

Speaking to reporters at the Sangaiprou godown, Erabot informed that he personally supervised lifting of the rice meant for poor people of the State as the officials cannot do their work because of unwanted pressures and intimidations from certain quarters.

The Minister said that all the agents may lift their quota of rice without any fear after depositing the requisite money.

He will station himself at the godown tomorrow too to ensure that there is no restriction in lifting rice.

He mentioned that the godown rate of AAY rice is Rs 337 per quintal, Rs 610.80 per quintal for BPL rice and Rs 885.05 per quintal for APL rice.

Considering the plight of hill people before the harvesting season, all impediments and snags in lifting rice quota for hills districts have been effectively addressed, Erabot claimed while adding that advance quota may be lifted if people need it.

Necessary quantity of rice worth upto Rs 5 lakhs may be lifted on credit with guarantee by Deputy Commissioners concerned.

An official order to this effect has already been issued, he informed.

However, the FCS Minister accepted that despite serious efforts to avoid loss and swindling of rice meant for the people, still there has been certain loopholes.

Yet, more stringent measures have been taken up to plug the loopholes, he said.

Erabot assured that the State Government will check swindling rice by officials as well as diversion by some organisations from the Sangaiprou godown so that the Public Distribution System is streamlined and its benefits reach the people.

Concerning SK Oil, the Minister disclosed that there have been certain misunderstandings and irregularities in allotting SK Oil to Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.

He said strict instructions have been given to the officials concerned to execute their duty according to the proper channel.

Acknowledging that the prevailing law and order situation has been responsible for the reluctance of transporters to ferry LPG cylinders, Erabot conveyed that the Chief Minister who is also in charge of the Home Department has been urged to take necessary security measures against intimidation and assault on LPG carriers along NH 39 to Khatkhati.

On the other hand, Y Erabot who also holds the Commerce and Industries portfolio chaired a meeting of the Industrial Growth Centre Development Committee and has instructed officials concerned to start land acquisition process for setting up Industrial Growth Centre at Napet Palli.

However, the Minister was annoyed when he learned that no concept plan has been prepared for the Industrial Growth Centre as yet.

The Centre will require 700 acres of land, Erabot informed.

Disclosing that the State Government has decided to purchase land for a composite check post at Moreh, he informed that the required amount will be provided by the Union Government.

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