Ten families of Shnongkalong village under South West Khasi Hills were deprived of ration since 2017 allegedly by fair price shop dealers and the Dorbar Shnong.
This was unearthed through an RTI filed by the families at the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), South West Khasi Hills district wherein they were informed that the quota of rice meant for the families was released by the office to the dealers.
Nine families are beneficiaries under the Priority Household Ration Card (PHH Ration Card) and one Non NFSA beneficiary. They include Teimotstar Thongni, Aislora Thongni, Happylinda Nonglait, Dwen Thongni, Lidalin Thongni, Melansi Syiemiong, Pynhunbiang Syiemiong, Jeremaiah Thyrniang, Wansuklin Lyngdoh and Shinepattenful Nonglang.
A complaint on missing rice was also filed with Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor today by the beneficiaries calling for an inquiry into the matter.
“Depriving us of our entitlements is violation of our right to life and human rights,” the beneficiaries told reporters. They also said that they did not even avail essentials under the PMGKAY during the nationwide lockdown to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students Union, Ranikor Circle has offered its support to the beneficiaries to fight for their rights.
One of the beneficiaries said in 2016 they were asked by the dealers and elders of the Dorbar Shnong that a bank account and passbook is mandatory to avail a ration card and rice under the Public Distribution System. It was until the issue was raised with the KSU that an RTI was filed on January 19, 2021 and it was discovered that all their required documents were available at the DC (Supply) office.
Meanwhile, executive members of the Dorbar Shnong Mawsniang have alleged that the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Sohiong has deprived the villagers of their Public Distribution System allotment of rice.
Addressing the press here today, the dorbar’s Secretary, Debodstar Kharmyndai, claimed that his has been going on since December, causing distress to villagers who depend on the ration.
The BDO has apparently not renewed the PDS ration because the former Rangbah Shnong of the village, O Lyngdoh, who still argues that he is in charge, has opposed it.
The dorbar, however, has shown the BDO proof of the election of D Rani as the new RS. Approval of his election has also been received from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
The executive members, who claimed to have also met the Deputy Commissioner to no avail, said that the 48 households are under great pressure because of the lack of rice ration.
