Cooperative societies refuse to lift NFS foodstuff

Our Bureau

Guwahati/ Mirza, Jan 24: Protesting non-payment of transportation costs since last several years, cooperative societies in Kamrup district have resolved not to lift items of the tiol Food Security scheme. The decision was taken by 33 cooperative societies which met at Mirza yesterday. They have issued a deadline of January 31 for the government to release the transportation cost arrears due since 2008. The societies have also threatened to move the court.

The State government is yet to release around Rs 25 lakh to the cooperative societies, which includes transportation costs of carrying the items from the godown to distribution points as well as commissions.

As a result of the government's indifference, many cooperative societies are suffering losses and are on the verge of closure.

The State government had recently said that subsidized commodities under the tiol Food Security scheme will be distributed through cooperative societies.

Former Chief Minister Sarat Singha had sowed the seeds of cooperative movement in Assam to boost the State's economy. But thanks to Dispur's neglect, many cooperative societies are now in dire straits.