Revoke license of erring PDS wholesaler of Umden: NKU

SHILLONG: The National Khasi Union (NKU) has demanded cancellation of the PDS license of a Government approved wholesaler Vino Syngkli for giving the power of attorney to a non-tribal businessman Unteshwar Singh to keep the PDS items earmarked for the beneficiaries of Umden village in his godown at Nongpoh.
“This is a clear case of benami transaction since the concerned wholesaler is not capable of running the wholesale dealership on her own,” NKU president Sylvanus Malai alleged while speaking to newsmen on Friday.
According to him, the PDS items meant for Umden village had ended up in a godown of the non-tribal businessman at Nongpoh.
“On interrogation by the police, Singh showed the power of attorney which was executed by both parties. We therefore urge upon the Government to cancel the wholesale dealership of Syngkli and allocate the same to another local person who can do the job more efficiently,” Malai said.
The NKU also alleged that PDS beneficiaries from Umden have been forced to avail the PDS commodities from Nongpoh, which is 20 km from their village, for several years now.
“The poor villagers have to travel 40 km to and fro to get their PDS rice which burns a hole in their pockets,” Malai said.
The NKU also said that as per RTI findings there were 17 government approved wholesalers in Ri-Bhoi district, all Khasis, and questioned why PDS commodities should end up at the godown of a non-tribal businessman at Nongpoh.
The NKU also refuted charges that it had demanded money from Singh.
“He (Singh) should apologize for his false statement within a week’s time or else we will take action against him,” the NKU warned.