HC stays public distribution of tractors by Assam govt

The Gauhati High Court today stayed public distribution of tractors, power tillers, yarns and blankets by Assam government.
A division bench, comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Manojit Bhuyan, stayed distribution of tractors, power tillers, yarns and blankets by Assam government after hearing a PIL by Assam Public Works (APW).
The court, after hearing the case while issuing notice on the state respondents, further directed the state government to issue advertisement in leading newspapers by giving reasonable time for submitting applications by interested individual/organisations.
The PIL had alleged that the schemes for public distribution of tractors, power tillers, yarns and blankets had not been notified in newspapers although funds for the articles have been sanctioned in December last year and some of them are being distributed to the beneficiaries by pick and choose method.

The court, which posted the matter for hearing on March 14, further issued a directive to file an affidavit within three days through a responsible state government officer indicating the ceremonial distribution of yarns and blankets made till yesterday and also ordered no more distribution of those articles.