Assam Minister Kaushik Rai reviews relief operations, commodity supply in flood-hit districts for timely distribution of essentials
Guwahati, July 23
Assam Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai on Thursday chaired a video conference with officials of the district administrations of the major flood-affected districts of Upper Assam and North Assam to review the lifting and distribution of relief materials, availability of essential commodities, stock position and prevailing market prices.
The meeting comprehensively assessed the prevailing flood situation and reviewed measures to ensure uninterrupted availability of food grains and other essential commodities in the affected districts.
The Minister directed all District Commissioners and district officials to maintain close coordination among all concerned agencies and ensure timely distribution of relief materials to the affected population.
Emphasising the need for prompt response and continuous monitoring, Minister Rai instructed the district administrations to remain vigilant so that no disruption occurs in the supply of essential commodities.
He also directed the district-level task forces to remain active round the clock and closely monitor market prices, taking immediate action wherever any unjustified price rise is noticed.
Reiterating the State Government's commitment towards the welfare of flood-affected people, the Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Government of Assam is making every effort to ensure that relief and essential services reach every affected family without delay.
Additional Chief Secretary, Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department, Biswaranjan Samal, stressed the need for expediting the milling of the remaining procured paddy and handing over the rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) at the earliest to prevent any damage to the stock.
He also urged the district task forces to maintain strict vigilance over the prices of essential commodities through close coordination and regular monitoring.
The video conference was attended by Secretary Anasua Dutta Baruah, General Manager of FCI Manoj Kumar, Commissioner Hemanta Bhuyan, Managing Director of AFDUCL Parijat Bhuyan, District Commissioners and other district officials of concerned districts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see proactive monitoring from the Minister. But the real test is in the markets - are the prices stable? We saw last year in Nagaon how some traders hiked rates during floods. The task force needs to be visible and strict. No excuses this time.
The mention of expediting paddy milling is crucial. We cannot afford to let the previous season's stock rot while people are hungry. Coordination between AFDCUL, FCI, and district officials has been patchy in the past. Let's hope this video conference brings some accountability.
I admire the urgency in this review. Having worked on disaster response in other states, I know that the first 48 hours matter most. Assam is doing well by setting up round-the-clock task forces. Hope they also focus on drinking water and health supplies, not just food grains.
Sir, with due respect, video conferences are fine but what about the panchayat-level workers who actually distribute relief? Last week in Majuli, some families didn't get ration for 3 days because of poor last-mile delivery. We need field visits, not just virtual meetings. Just saying. 🤔
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