The BJP today alleged that rice that is supposed to be reaching the poor within the state under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is not reaching the poor despite the announcement that the rice is to be given to them until Diwali.
Further the party also pointed out that implementation of containment zones was impacting the poor who were battling to ensure food on their table.
“Every individual should get 5 kilos of rice till Diwali. We want to ensure no individual should suffer while battling Coronavirus. The declaration of the containment zones in various localities is causing difficulties to the poor families as no alternative arrangements were made before declaring containment zones,” said BJP party spokesperson, Bernard Marak.
He added that there was confusion in the order as there was no mention of lockdown.
“The life of the common people has come to a standstill with no source of income with no DA/TA but loans are being deducted. Stall rents are not exempted and even fees in school/colleges,” he added.
The party stated that while it is understandable that safety measures need to be ensured, they felt it should not come through depriving the poor.
“PMGKAY was specifically meant to provide food to the poor families so concerned authorities should have arranged alternative arrangements to assist the public before declaring containment zones,” felt Bernard.
He said that the statement on PMGKAY implementation comes in the wake of a meeting with the centre wherein it was reasserted that every individual should get 5 kg rice until Diwali.
“In Meghalaya, free rice is not reaching the poor but only ration card holders are availing rice that too on payment. In order to get a clear picture of what was the real issue, BJP leaders filed RTIs which were not replied to even after a month,” he alleged.
The notification, said Marak, mentioned about extension of curfew but not lockdown and this he felt created confusion among the masses as the people were not getting rice under PMGKAY. He further called upon the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma to ensure that the schemes meant for the poor be issued without diversion and delay.
