Airlifting of PDS items would improve supply position: FCI CMD

After visiting air fed stations, like Mago, Thingbo and Luguthang in Tawang district, Damin in Kurung Kumey district and Vijoy Nagar in Changlang district, Hussein told PTI here that 'there is better appreciation of ground level situation now in the state.'

The FCI cmd said Arunachal Pradesh government has given a proposal to the Centre for use of helicopter to airlift rice to remote areas. "The proposal came for discussion when I called on Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu yesterday," he said.

Hussein, who is on a four-day visit of the state said his visit was aimed at working out modalities as to how the proposal could be operationalised as directed by New Delhi.

The state government has been asked to submit the revised proposal in consultation with the Indian Air Force and the directorate of supply and transport for the FCI to recommend the same to the Centre within 10 days of receipt of the proposal, the CMD disclosed.

Though the proposal included 32 identified places, few more places will be included in the revised proposal, Arunachal Pradesh Planning secretary Ankur Garg informed. Pointing out that Arunachal Pradesh is an important state for FCI operation, Hussein said the Central PSU has taken many a steps to achieve the goal, including setting up of its regional office in the state capital and making eight base depots at Tawang, Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo, Anini, Tezu, Roing, and Deomali functional besides existing godowns at Kharsang, Pasighat, Karsings and Bhalukpong.

When asked as to why there was no stocks in the base depots of Arunachal Pradesh which was the FCI responsibility to maintain, the CMD said there is huge stock in the country – 256 lakh tonnes of rice and 215 lakh tonnes of wheat, totalling to 471 lakh tonnes, against the buffer stock of 250 lakh tones as on January one last.

He informed that the off take of APL (above poverty line), BPL (below poverty line) and AAY rice during December last was 79, 87 and 90 per cent respectively, though the unlifted quantity as on January 4 last was 1280.1 MT.

Pointing out that inadequate placement of wagons by the railways at Dhemaji, Bhalukpong, Banderdewa and North Lakhimpur terminus for lifting stocks was behind the problem, he said "we have taken up the matter with the Railway Board and sent the proposal for augmenting rack position at Rangiya junction for improving supply.

"Anticipating short fall in supply in January by the railways it has been decided to move stock on roads to the state from godowns in Assam," he said.

"However, the problem will be addressed when the railways provide sufficient racks as per the plan given by the FCI. The FCI has asked for 5.5 racks per day for the North Eastern states. It will be difficult for the FCI to meet the requirements of the NE if the racks are not provided. We are regularly in touch with the railway authorities and hopefully they would comply with the plan," he informed.

Accompanied by Garg and FCI’s executive director (NE) Sanjoy Zadoo, Hussien also conducted an aerial survey of Tali in Kurung Kumey district and Taksing in Upper Subansiri district bordering China.