No rice scam, Shylla reiterates

SHILLONG, June 17: Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla on Thursday reiterated that the allegations pointing to irregularities in implementation of the supplementary nutrition programme (SNP) under ICDS scheme, implemented by the department, were baseless.
“It may be reiterated that the seized rice from Boko, Assam is not the PDS rice meant for general distribution or as COVID relief rice during the pandemic as alleged. This rice was allotted by the Social Welfare Department from FCI to the approved manufacturer of food items under the SNP, who lifted the allotted quota for the state for processing the same into micronutrient energy dense fortified food and hence, the allegation of diversion of rice does not arise,” Shylla said in a statement.
“As per GOI guidelines, state governments should ensure strict implementation of the feeding norms as specified in Schedule II of the National Food Security Act, 2013 and Supplementary Nutrition Rules, 2017,” the statement said, adding that in consonance with the guidelines for food safety and hygiene, the state government had awarded the supply of THR to approved manufacturers who complied with FSSAI registration and licensing process.