Repackaged Assam AAY rice glut Meghalaya, Bangladesh

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Jan 17: Seizures of illegally transported AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) rice under NFSA (National Food Security Act) across the State are frequent. But, where does such rice head to?

Police sources have revealed that a significant portion of AAY rice allotted to various districts of Assam are diverted to godowns in Meghalaya via Guwahati. A section of brokers does the mischief. A number of godowns have sprung up along the border in Meghalaya. Such rice is polished and again packaged as new brands at these godowns; and then supplied to the markets in Meghalaya and Bangladesh. A portion of the rebranded rice also enters the Assam market, added police sources.

The practice of illegal transportation of PDS (Public Distribution System) rice through Guwahati first came to light in January 2019 when a truck carrying 256 bags of rice meant for Barpeta met with an accident at Boragaon in Guwahati. The pertinent question: How come PDS rice meant for Barpeta district had to go via Guwahati? In May 2020 also, Jalukbari Police seized 620 bags of PDS rice meant for Barpeta district.

On its part, the BIEO (Bureau of Investigation of Economic Offence) seized several quintals of rice from illegal godowns in various districts across the State in 2020.

Will the State police force rise to the occasion to stop the rot? This is a million-dollar question.

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