Critical Food Shortage Hits South Sikkim; Government Scrambles to Address Crisis
First Published: 19th July, 2024 22:00 IST
Sources reveal that the FCI godown in Siliguri has not delivered the necessary supplies, resulting in a deficit of 6,804 quintals of rice
South Sikkim is currently grappling with a severe shortage of essential food items, as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Jorthang has failed to meet the district’s requirements.
The shortfall has disrupted the monthly distribution of Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies such as Priority Household (PHH), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), and mid-day meals across South and West Sikkim.
Sources reveal that the FCI godown in Siliguri has not delivered the necessary supplies, resulting in a deficit of 6,804 quintals of rice.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Sikkim government has only received 8,548 quintals of rice, far below the required 15,352 quintals.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Sikkim government has expressed concern over the shortage and is trying to address the issue.
However, officials are apprehensive about the timely completion of deliveries due to an insufficient supply of vehicles reaching the Jorthang godown.
Truck drivers have also admitted to a lower supply in July, exacerbating the problem. The state government is worried about the possibility of a shortage of food in 20 warehouses of South and West Sikkim if the necessary food is not regularly supplied to Jorthang godown.
As of now, the department awaits the arrival of 68 more truckloads of rice to fulfil the August supply requirements. In contrast, there is no reported shortage at the FCI’s Rangpo godown.
The state government has urgently appealed to the FCI godown in Siliguri to expedite the supply chain to Jorthang and alleviate the food scarcity.
The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are being made to ensure that the food supply is restored to normalcy as soon as possible.
Also Read: Regional parties of Assam and Sikkim set to form a united front?
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