BJP demands resignation of minister over diversion of PDS funds

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Shillong, May 31 (UNI) Targeting the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government over anomalies in the Public Distribution System, the state BJP has demanded the resignation of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Martle N Mukhim.

The BJP, which have two MLAs in the 60-member House, blamed Chief Minister D D Lapang for allowing the diversion of the essential commodities meant for the most marginalised poor reeling under acute poverty and destitution.

''Mr Mukhim should gracefully step down owning responsibility for the large scale diversion of PDS in the state,'' BJP General Secretary P M Passah told UNI here today.

According to a survey conducted by Org-Marg on implementation of the Public Distribution System, the state tops the list in the country for diverting commodities meant for BPL and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families.

The Org-Marg survey conducted in 2005 had revealed 80 per cent diversion of food grains.

Yesterday, the saffron brigade, in its surprise inspection in three villages -- Umbir, Barwa and Lad Barwa - in Ri-Bhoi district, found that almost ''90 per cent of the villagers'' are not included in the BPL or AAY lists.

''Most of the villagers were not aware of their own rights to secure their PDS entitlements. The government has cheated them. What will be the fate of other villages, which are inaccessible,'' the BJP leader asked.

Reacting to the BJP's demand, Mr Mukhim said, he will not step down as he was also aware of the diversion of funds.

''I am not sitting idle on the issue and steps have been taken to plug the malpractice and pilferage of the PDS,'' the minister told UNI here.

He said the government had decided to introduce electronic bar-coded food coupons in all the seven districts of the state from July to plug all the loopholes, while action will be taken against those involved in the scam.

UNI

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