MANGALDAI, Dec 26 - More than 22,000 households pertaining to eight Gaon Panchayats in Darrang district may be deprived from enjoying the benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which was formally launched in the State on Thursday.
According to sources in the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Darrang, the district under the provisions of the Act has a total target 1,55,526 families. However, due to intervention of the Gauhati High Court, initially a list of 25,545 targeted beneficiary families under nine Gaon Panchayats could not be finalised.
In the meantime, in case of Ojagaon Gaon Panchayat under Pub Mangaldai Development Block, which has total target of 3,197 families, the court reportedly reviewed its earlier decision and directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure removal of the alleged anomalies and prepare a correct final list, resulting in inclusion of that gaon panchayat.
However, as petitions against eight other gaon panchayats under Dalgaon LAC are still pending in the court, a total of 22,348 families have been deprived from enjoying the privilege of availing rice or foodgrains at subsidised rates under the provision of the Act, the source added.
The district administration, it has been gathered, will start the process of distribution from Sunday after its scheduled ceremonial distribution function held at the District Library auditorium here on Thursday.
It may be mentioned that petitions were filed in the Gauhati High Court challenging the selection process of beneficiaries with allegations of anomalies, nepotism and political influence, thereby depriving a section of genuine applicants.
