Imphal, July 28: To probe the charges and counter charges that rice distributed by the Food and Civil Supplies Department do not actually reach the intended people, the Assembly today agreed to constitute a House Committee to probe the matter.

The Opposition raised the demand to constitute a House Committee and probe the distribution of the FCS Department by raising a cut motion when a total sum of Rs 44,40,38,000 was sought to be passed for FCS, Agriculture and Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department.

After the Chief Minister and FCS Minister Ph Parijat agreed to the demands of the Opposition that a House Committee be constituted to probe the distribution of rice by the FCS, the Opposition bench agreed to withdraw the cut motion.

All the three demands were thereafter passed unanimously.

The Chairman and members of the House Committee will be announced by the FCS Minister tomorrow during the Assembly session.

Taking part in the discussion, Chief Minister O Ibobi informed the House that the FCS Department faces monumental problems while distributing the food grains and other items under it to the public.

Following numerous complaints that rice and other items have not reached the intended people, a departmental inquiry has been instituted, informed the Chief Minister.

To streamline the distribution network, the State Government has also asked the FCI authority to directly unload the goods lifted from the FCI godown at Guwahati at the district FCS godowns instead of unloading them at the FCS godown at Sangaiprou.

Clarifying on the charges launched by the Opposition, FCS Minister Ph Parijat said that there is no question of politicizing the selection process of FCS agents.

At the moment the process of selecting agents has been put on hold as the Zilla Parishad and Panchayats also want to be involved in the selection process, the Minister informed the House.

Due to the failure to select the agents, rice for the months of June and July are yet to be released to the public, he clarified.

An inquiry has been instituted into the allegations that agents have not been granted their quota though they have deposited the amount, said the Minister adding that the agents had deposited more money than the quota of rice and other items meant for them.

This took place before the SPF Government came to power, he elucidated.

Respective DCs have also been instructed to chart out a new list for AAY and BPL beneficiaries, the Minister further informed.

Investigation is also underway to see whether there is any truth in the allegations that not all the entitled families receive their full quota of 35 kgs a month.

During the discussion for passing the demands of Agriculture, K Ranjit said that his department has taken up a number of measures to ensure that agricultural output is increased.