Shillong, June 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday clarified that the consignment of rice that were seized recently from a godown in Assam were neither the rice allotted under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or were meant for Covid relief.
“It seems there is a confusion and different allegations are being made. Let me clarify that the rice was not meant for Covid relief nor NFSA. We have received the advance rice quota for the month of June,” the Chief Minister said, while addressing the media.
On the allegation that 1 lakh bags were found during the seizure, the Chief Minister said that it was not correct as the consignment was 1604 metric tons, which accounts for 33,000 bags. However, he also informed that the rice were sourced from Food Corporation of India (FCI) and was meant for producing micro nutrient based fortified food products for mother and children.
The allegations that the seized rice in a factory in Assam meant for NFSA & Covid Relief for Meghalaya is incorrect. The said consignment of rice is not a part of the NFSA or of Covid Relief from GoI. Our stocks have been received in advance for the entire month of June
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) June 15, 2021
It is to be mentioned that the quota was given to Continental Milkose Ltd, an approved manufacturer of the State Government, who supplies the proceed food to the State for its Nutrition Programme.
It is also to be noted that the Government of India allocates rice under the Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) to different states and the Directorate of Social Welfare in turn allocates the rice to the approved manufacturer. Addressing the media on the issue, the Chief Minister also said that NGOs or Press should verify the facts before making allegation, which are not correct.
He further informed that the Government has received the latest consignment of the nutrition based fortified food products from Continental Milkose Ltd.
Seized rice sourced from FCI was allotted to the approved company and it is their responsibility to provide the Govt with the finished products. Nevertheless, we have asked the company to give clarification on the matter.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) June 15, 2021
“Government is not looking into micro details on the manufacturing, however, the Government has sought for a report from the company. As a government, it is our responsibility to ensure that quality processed products were supplied to the government which are tested and certified,” he added.
