Urgent Crisis: Devastating Food Shortage Strikes South Sikkim; Government Races to Provide Relief

July 20, 2024 2 Min Read

Severe Rice Shortage Hits South Sikkim Due to FCI Supply Failures

Published: 19th July, 2024 22:00 IST
Source: Northeast Live Digital Desk

South Sikkim is facing a grave shortage of essential food supplies due to a significant shortfall in rice deliveries from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Jorthang. This deficit has disrupted the monthly distribution of Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies, including Priority Household (PHH), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), and mid-day meals across South and West Sikkim.

Sources revealed that the FCI godown in Siliguri failed to deliver 6,804 quintals of rice, crucial for the region. The Sikkim government’s Food and Civil Supplies Department has received only 8,548 quintals of rice, a far cry from the required 15,352 quintals.

This shortage has raised concerns within the department, which is striving to resolve the issue. However, the lack of sufficient vehicles reaching the Jorthang godown is complicating timely deliveries. Truck drivers have reported reduced supplies in July, intensifying the crisis. The state government fears a potential food crisis in 20 warehouses across South and West Sikkim if consistent supplies are not maintained.

Currently, the department anticipates the arrival of 68 more truckloads of rice to meet the August demand. Notably, the FCI’s Rangpo godown has not reported any shortages. The state government has urgently requested the FCI godown in Siliguri to expedite shipments to Jorthang to alleviate the food scarcity.

Efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the food supply, with the situation being closely monitored.

Also Read: Regional parties of Assam and Sikkim set to form a united front?

For further updates, stay tuned to Northeast Live.

Original Story https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/sikkim/critical-food-shortage-hits-south-sikkim-government-scrambles-to-address-crisis/
Category : Sikkim,Top News,Sikkim Food Crisis,Sikkim News
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