‘No violation of model code in appointing wholesalers’

TURA: The District Election Officer (DEO) of West Garo Hills has issued a clarification regarding an allegation that the sub-divisional officer of Dadenggre violated the model code of conduct by appointing wholesalers in Tikrikilla.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the DEO clarified that the order issued on March 11 was for monthly allotment of foodgrain to wholesalers, which was a routine affair taken up every month to ensure that foodgrain reach the beneficiaries according to the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Former minister and leader of BJP Kisan Morcha KC Boro said the SDO had issued an order allotting wholesales to 27 applicants under Dadenggre civil sub-division clearly violating the model code, which came into effect on March 10.
He had also said the move was against the High Court order directing the additional chief secretary in-charge Food and Civil Supplies to finalise the appointment of wholesalers in Tikrikilla within three months.
“The order does not involve appointment of any wholesalers and the appointment of new wholesalers was made on or before March 8, which was much before the enforcement of MCC,” the DEO clarified.
The statement said the order of the High Court mentioned in the complaint neither stayed nor quashed the appointment of wholesalers made earlier. The new appointment has been made as per the order issued by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies on January 28, it added.