Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01 2009:
A Cabinet meeting convened today has decided to activate all rice godowns located in the district headquarters in view of the drought situation, so that PDS items reach the mass.
The Cabinet meeting also deliberated on the night curfew being clamped in Imphal West and Imphal East districts in the aftermath of the Khwairamband killings.
Whether the night curfew should continue or be shortened or lifted would be decided in another meeting after studying the situation for 2/3 days, a senior Cabinet Minister said.
Meanwhile, District Magistrates of Imphal West and Imphal East districts have notified that the curfew would be relaxed from 4 am to 7 pm tomorrow.
Taking into account the hardships faced by the people due to the drought situation, the Cabinet agreed on activating all godowns of the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution located at district headquarters in order to ensure that PDS items reach the people.
The FCI would be asked to deliver PDS rice to Public Distribution Centres located at Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, Kaiphundai, Senapati, Paomata, Parbung, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal and Chandel directly.
The work of lifting PDS rice, earlier handled by district administration after issuing contract orders, would be handled by Administrative Department.
However, for Imphal East and Imphal West district, it would be done at the departmental level.
The Cabinet also resolved to establish eight new police stations in view of the prevailing law and order situation.
It also decided to recruit additional VDF and police personnel.
After due deliberation on development schemes/projects being implemented by Panchayat, Zilla Parishads etc through DRDA, the Cabinet meeting agreed on scheme/project allocation at the rate of 50 percent for Panchayats, 30 for Zilla Parishads and 20 percent for allied departments.
However, the Cabinet deferred a decision on extension of SoO pact for one year.
The Cabinet also approved to prorogue the 6th session of the 9th State Assembly.