Imphal, Sep 19: Taking a serious view of the complete breakdown of the Public Distribution System and the simultaneous availability of rice, sugar and kerosene in the black market, the Principal Secretary on August 2 this year issued an order directing the Director of FCS, Deputy Commissioners, and SPs to check the unauthorised sale, transportation and distribution of petroleum products in their respective area of jurisdiction.

However till date no proactive action has been initiated by any of the officials concerned to crack down on the thriving black market.

Talking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that to off set the prevailing trend, the Principal Secretary had issued strict directives to his subordinates to take up necessary action to ensure that AAY and BPL rice are made available to the targeted population.

However till date no tangible action has been taken up, disclosed the source further.

According to the guidelines of the Government a list of the beneficiaries of AAY and BPL rice should be prepared, said the source and added that a special drive should also be launched to re-verify the list of beneficiaries.

The other significant directives include, making sure that the ration cards reach the beneficiaries with the respective SDOs and SDCs being entrusted with this responsibility.

Field Inspectors under the directives of the DCs and SDOs are also supposed to conduct surprise visits while the FCS Director is to review the performance of the DSOs.

However none of the instructions issued by the Government have been followed, said the source as a result of which the black market continues to thrive while the needy people are left high and dry.

In another development District Forum have been set up at Bishnupur and Thoubal under the Consumer Protection Act to safeguard the rights of the consumers.

The Forum were set up on September 14.The Thoubal District Forum is headed by Y Bhaskar as the president while the members include L Rameshor and RK Sunita.

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