National People’s Party Nagaland unit alleges misuse of PDS

Dimapur, May 23 (EMN): The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland State unit has alleged misappropriation of targeted public distribution system (TPDS) and demanded the state government to expose those involved in corrupt practices and take appropriate action.

Citing irregularities in PDS structure in the past (2005-2011) being unearthed by the CAG and reports of alleged 94.7% percent leakage of PDS off-taken food grains in the year 2011-2012, it has expressed dismay at the government eluding questions related to development activities, including PDS.

The party stated in a press release that the CAG report had revealed random issuance of ration cards by Food and Civil Supplies department, diversion of food grains to open market, allocation of food grains to non-existent institutions, charging of higher rates and other anomalies.

It said none of the districts has adequate storage depots and warehouses; that even the FCI facility in Dimapur lacks infrastructure and huge quantity of rice allegedly ending up in private godowns. It questioned the efficacy of the state machinery in controlling such rampant corruption.

The NPP said that Nagaland is supposed to receive 3873 MT of rice per month through tide-over allocation but “no proper records of the distribution have been found till date”. It added that out of the 3873 MT allocation, Mokokchung should get 400 MT, Wokha – 380 MT, Phek – 300 MT, Peren – 200 MT, Tseminyu – 100 MT, Kohima – 400 MT, Longleng -200 MT, Dimapur – 448 MT, Kiphire – 220 MT, Shamatore – 100 MT, Mon – 400 MT, Niuland – 100 MT, Chumoukedima – 100 MT, Noklak – 100 MT, Tuensang – 125 MT and Zunheboto – 300 MT.

Maintaining that the state also receives 6360 MT of rice monthly under PHH (for ration card holders) and every individual in Nagaland (population put at approximately 20 lakh) should get 4 kg of rice per month under these schemes, the party asked where these huge quantity of rice had disappeared over the years.

Meanwhile, it said the rural farmers will benefit if they are provided with more incentives for local produce instead of solely relying on the PDS.

“The state Government can mull over a programme whereby the funds allocated for PDS can be utilized for subsidies, agricultural loans and for procuring better seeds, modern equipments and organic manures for the local farmers which will create a better local economy,” it stated.

It also requested the civil societies and public to question the government on development-related issues.