Mamata directs Jangalmahal DMs to ensure proper food supply

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today directed district magistrates of the Jangalmahal belt to ensure that "bureaucratic red-tapism" did not come in the way of food supply to the poor in the area.

"Bureaucratic red-tapism should not come in the way of supply of food to the poor in the Jangalmahal area," Banerjee told district magistrates of the Maoist-hit West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura.

State Food Minister Jyotipriyo Mallick would visit the three districts from tomorrow for an on-the-spot assessment of distribution of rice, dal and other basic essentials.

"I will first visit West Midnapore for two days, then go to Purulia which will be followed by Bankura," Mallick said.

Banerjee had last week announced that the income eligibility for getting rice at Rs two per kg had been raised from Rs 24,000 to Rs 42,000 per annum.

Mallick said that 24 blocks in the three districts were affected by the ultras and he would visit most of them.

He said he would inspect whether BPL cards had been distributed properly to the tribals and ensure cards were given within 72 hours if anyone was yet to be given the BPL card.