In a major development under Meghalaya’s CM CONNECT initiative, a long-pending ration distribution issue in Koraibari village, Ranikor, has been successfully resolved. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s direct intervention led to the cancellation of a Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealer’s license after an inquiry confirmed that many beneficiaries had been deprived of their entitled rations under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for an extended period.
This resolution marks yet another success for CM CONNECT, an initiative aimed at ensuring government accountability, accessibility, and transparency in governance.
The Koraibari Ration Crisis: A Two-Year Struggle for Food Security
Residents of Koraibari village had been struggling for months due to non-receipt of rations from their designated FPS dealer. Many villagers had reportedly gone without their entitled food grains for up to two years, despite being eligible under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
During a recent visit, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma assured locals that their grievances would be addressed. The issue was brought to light by villagers who accused FPS dealer Lipson Ch Sangma of denying rations to certain beneficiaries. The situation was worsened by factionalism and internal groupism within the village, leading to conflicting claims.
Government Intervention and Immediate Action
Following the Chief Minister’s assurance, Director of the Supply Department, Anita Kharpor, directed an official inquiry into the matter. On February 17, an investigation team from the Supply Department visited Koraibari village to assess the situation.
Findings of the Inquiry:
- Several beneficiaries had not received rations for an extended period.
- The FPS dealer had manipulated the distribution process, depriving many villagers of their rightful share.
- Internal conflicts within the village had further complicated the issue.
Based on these findings, the dealer’s license was revoked, and he was instructed to submit all related documents immediately. The Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills was also directed to take further punitive measures, including:
- Filing an FIR against the FPS dealer if the missing food grains were not returned.
- Ensuring fair and just ration distribution to all rightful beneficiaries.
CM CONNECT: Empowering Citizens for Transparent Governance
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma lauded the impact of CM CONNECT, emphasizing how the initiative has empowered people to stand up for their rights. “CM CONNECT has empowered our people. Today, people have mastered the courage to stand up for their cause. I really feel a sense of satisfaction that our people are now able to resolve their issues through this platform.”
While acknowledging that not all issues can be resolved immediately, he highlighted that CM CONNECT provides a critical platform for citizens to voice concerns and receive direct government responses.
Achievements of CM CONNECT Since Its Launch in February 2024:
- Engaged with over 50,000 citizens across Meghalaya.
- Provided guidance on government schemes to over 12,000 people.
- Successfully resolved nearly 1,200 grievances related to public welfare.
Ensuring Transparency in Meghalaya’s Public Distribution System (PDS)
Commissioner & Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Pravin Bakshi, reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency in the PDS system. “Food grains distribution through ePOS (Electronic Point of Sale) devices is an important step to ensure beneficiaries get an automated receipt for their ration allocation,” he said.
Additionally, regular inspections are conducted to prevent irregularities in ration distribution and hold FPS dealers accountable.
Strengthening Governance Through Citizen Engagement
The Koraibari ration issue resolution is a testament to the effectiveness of CM CONNECT in bridging the gap between the government and citizens. By ensuring that public grievances are addressed swiftly, the initiative is setting a new benchmark for transparent governance in Meghalaya.
The case also underscores the importance of accountability in the PDS system, ensuring that every entitled beneficiary receives their rightful share of food grains without discrimination.
With CM CONNECT gaining momentum, more citizens are now stepping forward to report issues, reinforcing Meghalaya’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance.
A Step Towards Accountability and Social Justice
The resolution of the Koraibari village ration crisis through Meghalaya’s CM CONNECT initiative highlights the power of direct government intervention in ensuring social justice. The swift revocation of the FPS dealer’s license and the assurance of punitive action demonstrate the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in public welfare schemes.
With an increasing number of citizens actively engaging with CM CONNECT, Meghalaya is moving towards a more transparent, accountable, and citizen-driven governance model. The initiative is proving to be a game-changer in addressing public grievances, ensuring that essential services like PDS function effectively for the welfare of the people.
