Panchayat leaders allege diversion of PDS foodgrain

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, March 28: A section of panchayat leaders from Kra-Daadi district have leveled allegations of large-scale corruption and diversion of PDS food grain in the district.

Anchal members Langpu Tagung and Tami Tame along with ASM chairperson Yura Yalong have written to the chief minister stating that the firm M/S Kumey Valley MPCS Ltd "prepared inflated/bogus bills amounting to crores of rupees".

They claimed that 1200 quintals of food grains meant for the whole of Kurung Kumey district, before it was bifurcated with Kra-Daadi district, was diverted for Tali and Pipsorang administrative circles. This, they said, has led to an increase in billing amount by more than 100 times.

The trio also alleged that the food and civil supplies parliamentary secretary has been "interfering in official process" with regards to complaints made against the firm.

In their letter, they claimed that they have lodged several complaints with the police and district administration. However, they said that the parliamentary secretary has "stched files (relating to the complaints) from the official chambers of the chief secretary and food and civil supplies minister". They have claimed that the firm in question is "owned by kith and kin of present parliamentary secretary". While the panchayat leaders did not mention his me anywhere in the letter, Tali MLA Markio Tado is the present food and civil supplies parliamentary secretary.