Ukhrul cracks whip against crook agents
Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, October 05 2010:
In the backdrop of the failure to streamline distribution of PDS items in the district and the unhealthy malpractice indulged in by some agents, the district administration has booked some defaulters and impounded 100 and 20 litres of Kerosene and 31 quintal of rice here yesterday.
Led by Additional Commissioner Armstrong Pame, a joint team of district administration, police and TNL conducted raids at the godowns of various PDS agents in Ukhrul town yesterday and impounded 100 and 20 litres of Kerosene oil and 31 quintal of rice meant for distribution among the poor rural citizens.
Accordingly, 5 godowns/stores have also been sealed.
Talking to The Sangai Express in this connection, Armstrong said that from day one of joining the office, he has been receiving numerous complaints over the failure of receiving the PDS items.
However, when he visited the shops/stores in Ukhrul town, he found that PDS rice meant for public distribution are being sold openly.
So, the raids were conducted.
Prior to these raids, the Deputy Commissioner had already issued a notice on September 27, 2010 prohibiting sale of PDS items in shops in and around Ukhrul town and strict action including cancellation of the shop license would be initiated against the defaulters under clause 9 of the Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 .
The Additional Commissioner further informed that necessary legal action would be taken up against all the defaulters who were booked yesterday and their names will be black listed.
Items under the PDS meant for the poorer section of society seldom reach the targeted people in Manipur.