Kolkata: Stating that "loot" at ration shops will not be tolerated in the name of political parties, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed authorities of all districts to ensure that no beneficiaries get deprived of getting the allotted foodgrains for their monthly quota without any negligence. Block Development Officer (BDO) or police personnel from the local police station as his representative should be posted at every ration shop when the distribution of foodgrains takes place. This will also ensure proper maintenance of queues outside these shops obeying social distancing norms. She directed all district magistrates, superintendents of police and commissioner of Kolkata Municipal Corporation to ensure that people get 5 kg rice in sealed packets so that people do not have to wait for long outside ration shops as weighing of the same consumes a lot of time. The Chief Minister on Friday also visited some ration shops at Bhowanipore and distributed masks among people. Expressing her annoyance, the Chief Minister said: "Whichever the party may be, we will not tolerate if anyone attempts to loot foodgrains from ration shops. Those wanting to distribute rice among people should buy it from the open markets." In this connection, Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha added that there are around 20,000 ration shops in the state. In a bid to address the space shortage of some ration shops, Banerjee directed concerned authorities to contact local clubs where foodgrains can be stocked. She also directed to engage 100 days scheme workers for packaging of rice in sealed packets. ICDS beneficiaries will be receiving rice and potatoes at their doorstep, while parents of mid-day meal beneficiaries have to maintain safe distance while queuing outside schools to collect the same. While enquiring about the situation in Kolkata, Banerjee asked commissioner of KMC Khalil Ahmed to ensure that all work is carried out properly in the city. Giving out a strict message to all officials, Banerjee said that this is not the time to take any leave. In the same breath, she said that lockdown has been extended till May 3. But people have to keep in mind that 49 days from the day lockdown was announced are very crucial and that is till May 19. "It would be good if we can follow the precautions for these days," the Chief Minister added.

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