Shillong, June 22: The CSWO had visited the village of Nongmadan, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, on the 21st June 2014, after being invited by about more than 25 families, for a meeting with them to discuss mainly on the PDS that was being deprived to some of them. This village falls under the Mawphlang Block and under the Sohiong Constituency.
The Organization was shocked to find out that in the village of Nongmadan too, as in Pynter Village, Pynursla, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, the diktat by the Headman Nongmadan, Brad Nongrum and Tining Mylliem, dealer of the PDS was that the beneficiaries were to take the Rice within 3 days failing which they would not get their benefit for the month. Most of them who had no money when the PDS was distributed could not get the PDS even if they requested and they had to later buy in the market rate. The Rice that was not distributed was then sold among those who were in the same group as the dealer and the Headman. This was all decided by the Headman. This is a direct contravention of the Essential Commodities Act, and also cheating the people of that village.
When old ladies complained that they had no money the reply was that it was decide by the vigilance Committee though some members of that committee seem to not be aware of this and were never called for the meetings.
It was also found that as many as 17 families (having about 39 minors) were not having the Ration Card, and were getting only rice distributed seldom by the Dealer, at the whims of the Headman. It was also brought to the notice of the CSWO that about 12 aged persons, above the age of 60 were not getting any benefit of the old age pension Scheme, though their photographs had been taken years back. Jwoam Kharbuki who is more than 65 years old said he gave up when he did not get the old age scheme though long time back his photo was taken. Most of these people had to just keep quiet.
They also mentioned that whenever they ask the Inspectors concerned to help them, they were told that they were instructed from the higher level, and cannot do much.
The CSWO has also learned that the agricultural produce of these farmers were highly taxed in the markets at iew duh, East Khasi Hills Distrcit, and also at Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, by the Traders who takes away 1 kg for every 10 kg that they bring to sell. This according to the CSWO is daylight extortion, and the markets should be regularized by the Syiem, so that no trader can take opportunity of the farmers and suppress them. If they carry 100 kg of ginger they are not paid for 10 kg of ginger. This ‘taxing’ is also becoming one of the reasons for increase in prices of essential commodities and affects every common man.
The Road to the village was also in a very bad condition, and no black topping as yet, though the local MLA had promised every election time. But some remember that muster rolls were appointed yet the road was still the same. They face tremendous hardships especially when people get sick. The stones were brought before the last election in 2013, and they still remain there as they were.
The CSWO will be filing an FIR at the Sohiong PS, against the Headman and the dealer of Nongmadan, for cheating the people and siphoning off the PDS. The CWSO will also seek information on the status of the Road to Nongmadan from the Office of the chief Engineer Roads. The CSWO request, that all people from various villages who do not have a Ration Card should gather the names and submit to the CSWO, so that the Center should know how the people in the village are being ignored and treated.(SP News)
