By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In order to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities to respective Durga Puja Committees (DPCs) during the Durga Puja Festival , the Central Puja Committee (CPC) had a meeting with the district administration in this regard, recently. It may be mentioned that various DPCs had complained about non-receipt of PDS commodities, last year.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, General Secretary, CPC JL Das, said that the DC (Supply) was requested to issue special permits of essential commodities at the earliest especially domestic cylinders (LPG) so that the same would be distributed to the DPCs. “We have requested if the essential commodities, especially domestic cylinders are made available at least 3/4 days in advance before the pujas,” said Das.
In another joint meeting of the DC, SP, DPCs and CPC was held recently at the DC’s Conference Room.
The CPC submitted its suggestion as per discussion taken place in its last executive committee meeting and the same was also circulated among the representatives of various DPCs of Greater Shillong.
“One thing that we put forward in the meeting is that there should not be any restriction on timings of puja visits by devotees.
Besides this, low decibel sounds should be allowed within the pandal area after 10 o’clock for various cultural programmes,” said working president, CPC Naba Bhattacharjee.
As per the order of the district / police administration immediately after the joint meeting, a Thana level meeting was convened by the respective sector magistrates and sector police officer at various sectors in Greater Shillong.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various DPCs, besides office bearers of CPC who had raised many valid points in the light of the discussion that took place at the joint meeting.
Meanwhile, the DC, East Khasi Hills District said that the district administration has already made arrangements to see that essential commodities reach the respective DPCs.
On the issue of domestic cylinder (LPG) the DC said that his administration is trying out every possible ways so that it can be made available to the DPCs.
It may also be mentioned here that though allotment of PDS items are made by the Office of DC (Supply), it is the retail trader who has to lift the essential commodities from the wholesale godown and FCI godowns.