Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Mar 3:
The Food and Civil Supplies (FCS) Ration Agents’ Associations of Ukhrul District, representing 44-Ukhrul AC and 45-Chingai AC, have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, expressing their discontent with the authorities’ failure to address their demands despite repeated appeals.
In the memorandum, the associations have set a strict deadline for the fulfillment of their demands regarding transportation and margin money, warning of intensified agitation if not met by March 2024.
Addressing a press conference in Ukhrul town on Saturday, the president of the Ukhrul Ration Agents’ Association, Qt. Luingam Lunghar, emphasized that agents in the mentioned constituencies have not received transportation costs for the past two years and margin money for several months.
Lunghar stated, “We once again urge the concerned authorities to meet our long-standing demands by March 6. Failure to do so will compel us to resort to immediate democratic agitation.”
The prolonged non-payment of transportation and margin money has significantly affected the livelihoods of the agents, who have been shouldering the burden of transportation and labour expenses for loading and unloading ration for the past 24 months.
Lunghar highlighted the necessity for prompt action, especially considering that the Prime Minister’s flagship program, PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana), aims to provide free rice to all citizens, with the rural poor benefiting the most.
He further stressed that before clearing outstanding payments, the department should refrain from appointing new agents or replacing existing ones. Additionally, Lunghar pointed out the lack of transparency regarding the transport contractor’s obligations, emphasizing the need for accountability in providing transportation costs.
The Ukhrul FCS Ration Agents’ Associations are adamant about their demands and have unanimously decided to escalate their protests if not addressed by the first week of March 2024. They seek prompt action from the authorities to alleviate their grievances and ensure the smooth functioning of ration distribution in the region.