Shillong, February 19 : A swift intervention through the CM Connect initiative has brought relief to residents of Koraibari village in Meghalaya’s Ranikor area, who were being denied their rightful Public Distribution System (PDS) ration under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Villagers had complained to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma about not receiving their monthly ration from the local Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealer, Welwering R. Marak. Marak had allegedly denied rations to a group of beneficiaries, and previously, factionalism within the village had contributed to the problem.
During a recent visit to the area, Chief Minister Sangma assured the villagers of swift action. Following the complaint, Anita Kharpor, Director of the Supply Department, directed the Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills to conduct an inquiry.
An inquiry team promptly visited Koraibari village and, upon confirming that beneficiaries had been deprived of rations for up to two years, took immediate action. The FPS dealer’s license was canceled, and he was ordered to submit all related documents. Reconciliation efforts were also initiated between the two village factions.
The Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to file an FIR against the FPS dealer if the deprived food grains are not distributed to the rightful beneficiaries.
“CM Connect has empowered our people,” said Chief Minister Sangma. “Today people have mastered the courage to stand up for their cause. I really feel a sense of satisfaction that our people today are able to get their problem resolved, and the channel for the redressal of their grievance has been through CM Connect.”
He explained that CM Connect provides a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and have their problems addressed. “While it may not be possible to address all the problems, it is our humble beginning to give an opportunity to the citizens to make themselves heard and raise their voice,” he said.
Pravin Bakshi, Commissioner & Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, said, “The Food and Civil Supplies Department is trying its best to ensure transparency in PDS distribution so that no eligible beneficiaries are deprived. Food grains distribution through ePOS devices is an important step to ensure beneficiaries get an automated receipt for their ration allocation received. Regular inspections are being done.”
Locals expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his prompt intervention. “We are grateful to CM sir for his timely intervention,” said the village secretary. “We could not believe that in just two days after complaining, officials came to our village, verified the complaint, and immediately canceled the dealership license. We are now getting our entitlement.”
Since its launch in February 2024, CM Connect has engaged with over 50,000 citizens, provided guidance to more than 12,000 individuals on government schemes, addressed nearly 2,700 grievances, and resolved over 1,127 cases, achieving a 93.5% satisfaction rate among surveyed citizens.
