Cards to outsiders opposed

SHILLONG, APR 8: Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) on Wednesday opposed the issuance of ration cards to two persons from outside the state by the supply department.

A delegation of the FKJGP-East Khasi Hills and Nongthymmai Circle led by presidents Elton Warjri and Wankmenlang Tariang met the Joint Director of Supply GS Nongkhlaw at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on the issue.

During the meeting, the delegation sought the clarification from the department as to how people who are not from the state can avail the benefits of a genuine citizen of the state.The decision to oppose also came after the federation received complaints that two outsiders who originally are from Tripura are ration card holders of the state.

Khirod Debnath and his wife Namita Nath, residents of Rynjah locality in the city obtained the APL ration card from RR Colony Shillong. However, these people do not have a Meghalaya EPIC card.

Producing documents of the two outsiders, FKJGP-EKH president Elton Warjri said, “Khirod Debnath and his wife Namita Nath produced ration card from Meghalaya but their EPIC card is still from Tripura.”

Interestingly, in the EPIC card of Debnath, it was indicated that he was 32 years old in 2006 but shockingly in the ration card, his age was just 31 years old in 2009, Warjri told reporters after the meeting.

“This is indicates the gross negligence on the part of the department which is not at all acceptable in view of the fact people from outside the state are exploiting the rights of our genuine citizens,” Warjri said.

The APL ration card was issued from the RR Colony.

Warjri added that the federation, demand the department to come out clear on how the ration cards were being issued to these people.

In addition, Nongthymmai circle president Wankmenlang Tariang said, “In fact, only the people of the state are eligible to get the ration card.”

Tariang said this case also shows that there is some malpractice going on in the department otherwise how such mistakes can be committed on the part of the people who are issuing ration card.

Meanwhile, the joint director assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up. He has also sought two weeks time to inquire into the issue and the delegation decides to wait.- By Our Reporter