ZEPADA hails mautam relief distributiion

By S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, Jul 9: Hailing the successful distribution of the magnanimous Maut-aam relief by the Govern- ment in association with Churachandpur-based Civil Societies, ZEPADA in a statement issued to the press extended its heartfelt gratitude to the people who have immensely contributed towards famine relief.
The statement issued by secretary, I&PR of the agen-cy made special mention of the National Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Aff-airs, GoI, who conducted On the spot survey, officials from the Ministry of DoNER, Ministers/MLAs of the District and the then MP Outer Manipur, Mani Cheranamei for the contri-bution they made.
It also expressed grati-tude to the Government of Manipur, particularly the Dept. of Relief & Disaster Management for painsta-kingly pursing the matter at different levels of the government, the District Administration and concerned Departments for readily taking up the issue and judiciously distributing the relief materials. All BDO/SDOs of the district and their staffs for the sacrificial activities performed all through the processes, the different Civil Societies including MHJU and other media fraternity of the State, CDSU, COMFA & its donors, MZI & ZAA, HYA, KKL, YMA (Manipur), ZYA, Aid Zomi Japan, etc who have generously con-tributed towards Mautaam Famine relief and to the Churches and individuals who have in their own capacity took the initiative in contributing their bit in fighting the mammoth task of combating Mautaam Famine.
It is our immense plea-sure to note that the Mautaam Relief Fund is an exceptional case as the entire sanctioned amount reached the District and was subsequently distribu-ted to the affected people without undue interference from all corners, at all level in its implementation, it said and noted the remarkable united efforts of the Gover-nment/District Adminis- tration and Churachandpur District civil societies in distributing Mautaam Relief. Such successful Mautaam Relief distribution could be repli-cated while implementing any other centrally spon-sored scheme, it added.
With the Relief material distribution ending with a happy note for now, ZEPADA also calls for an urgent renewed impetus to the existing PDS system, and urged upon the government to take immediate steps to include all landless tribals living in the hilly areas of the State under BPL category so that adequate PDS items is available for distribution among the hungry public. At present, only 40% of the people were entitled to the benefits provided under PDS. (TSE)