SHILLONG, June 22: The populace of West Shillong Constituency is divided over the list of eligible people specified by the district administration who can avail ration cards as part of the special drive mooted by Centre across the country to enroll the most vulnerable and economically weaker sections of society in the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
West Shillong legislator Mohendro Rapsang, on Tuesday, convened a meeting with Rangbah Shnong of as many as 10 Dorbars under his constituency, during which it was suggested that there is a need to extend the coverage to a wider section of people who do not possess ration cards.
It may be recalled that the Centre has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories to identify and issue ration cards to the most vulnerable and economically weaker sections of society to ensure their coverage under the NFSA. This directive comes amid various reports that the poorest of the poor are in dire need of foodgrains but are unable to procure ration cards.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the West Shillong MLA said, “Looking at the (press) release, we understand that only a section of the people will benefit from it (this special drive) and the people mentioned is negligible in my constituency”.
According to a press release of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) of East Khasi Hills, which the MLA pointed out to, the “weakest and vulnerable sections of society i.e. street dwellers/rag pickers/hawkers/migrant labourers/homeless/commercial sex worker/persons with disabilities” are eligible for the special drive.
Informing reporters that there will be another round of meeting with the 10 Rangbah Shnong, Rapsang said that the matter has been discussed with the office of the DC (Supply), and a new SOP describing which section of people will be included in the drive, will be sent.
“We will see whether it (new list) is sufficient or not as there are lots of houses in my constituency that don’t have a ration card. With this category of people, only a handful will get (ration card),” the MLA said, adding that he will meet the Chief Secretary if unsatisfied with the new SOP.
Rapsang, while conveying the general opinion, said that the current list of eligible folks for the programme is not enough, adding that the government needs to take a relook at it.
“We will be having the second meeting very soon after getting the SOP with more groups of people to be included. If we are not satisfied, we will ask the government to include more people,” he added.
