Dimapur, Dec. 9: ACAUT Nagaland has alleged yet another scam – this time concerning suspected diversion of rice supplied through Public Distribution System – in the state Food and Civil Supplies department which reportedly runs to the tune of “multiple thousand crore” rupees.
This allegation has come in the backdrop of a “visit” on Friday by members of ACAUT and Concerned Citizens of Nagaland (CCN) to two storage facilities/godowns in Dimapur – RZ Lotha Godown at Kevijau colony and M/s Lotha Trading Company at Lhomiti colony.
From the visit, according to a press release from ACAUT, they could ascertain that “rice, a PDS item, was being packed and kept ready in 1000s of white synthetic bags for disposal.” The “visit” was conducted at around 12.30 pm on Friday.
“Immediately, the ACAUT team informed the Sub-Urban Police Station for necessary action. And whereas it was informed by the Manager, FCI, that the FCI never supplies rice in synthetic bags but in jute bags. The ACAUT Nagaland can only conclude that the thousands of synthetic rice bags found – approximately 3500 bags in all – are all PDS items meant for the poor people to be disposed off to the open market and mills.
“Obviously, this racket has been going on for the last decade or so and a thorough probe should reveal the true picture. Significantly, the in-charges of the godowns at the time of the visit told the ACAUT Team that both the godowns actually belong to Mr. Tinku and Mr. Nirmal Jain. They also disclosed that the rice was being sold off to different mills and the open market,” the ACAUT statement informed.
Consequently, the ACAUT members also informed the matter to the 13 village/colony councils of the area. After “inspection”, the colony/village councils “unilaterally” decided to seal off the two godwons/storage facilities “till a thorough investigation is done and the matter brought to a logical conclusion.”
The ACAUT press release also stated that it has filed an FIR at Sub-urban police station against Tinku, Nirmal Jain and the Food and Civil Supplies department “for allowing both the firms to operate godowns in private establishments other than the designated FCI godowns.”
ACAUT backs Governor
In a separate statement, ACAUT Nagaland has thrown its weight behind Governor PB Acharya and his recent attempts to rebuke the state government for indulging in corruption.
“The governor of Nagaland has absolute right to rebuke his children. When his children are indulging in thievery, no father can keep mum or pat them. That the governor has decided not to spare the rod is laudable, something no governor has ever done.
“The father is understandably miffed since his children have done nothing good but brought about scam after scams only, namely, Mid-day meal scam- under investigation by the Vigilance Commission, the Rs 500 Crore fuel adulteration scam, the Rs 1200 Crore wheat scam, backdoor appointment scam, non-payment of teacher salaries scam, Rs 100 Cr pension scam, CAG report 2015-16 on Rs 300 Cr plus misappropriation in F&CS department, MNREGA anomalies, anomalies in Roads & Bridges department, etc,” it stated.
The ACAUT Nagaland has suggested that instead of the bitter reaction by the NPF to the governor’s statements, the rebuke should be highly appreciated. “When the governor, who is part and parcel of the Government comes out so openly against his own government, then indeed the 13 years of NPF government must surely qualify as the most corrupt period in the state’s history.
“Therefore, this bold and unconventional governor should have no problem with niceties and decorum but should address the next budget session with the opening statement ‘My corrupt government….’”, the statement read.
It further appealed the governor to widen the NIA probe into the 24% salary deduction and 5% departmental deduction as levied by “Naga Factional Groups (NFGs)” to encompass all the departments.
At present, it informed, 36 departments were under the scanner. All government employees ‘found conniving should not be spared irrespective of their status’, it demanded. “Since the Modi government is very serious about tackling corruption, New Delhi should intensely focus its attention upon this state.”
