PANAJI
As maggot-infested rice and alleged plastic rice are being reported from some fair-price shops, the Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Tuesday decided to raise concerns before the Department of Civil Supplies at Junta House, Panaji. Little did they know that the “ancient” elevator they entered decided to throw a tantrum.
As soon as these leaders including Durgadas Kamat, Renuka Da Silva and others stepped into the dilapidated lift, they found themselves trapped. For a gruelling around 20 minutes, the politicians were stuck inside and the fire officials were quickly summoned to rescue them.
Once safely back, the GFP leaders promptly began their sit-in protest outside the Civil Supplies office demanding action against the guilty responsible for distributing the maggot-infested rice.
“The sub-standard rice distribution through PDS is rising. The government should act to ensure the ration card holders are not forced to consume these food grains, which are not even fit for animals,” Kamat lamented.
GFP leader Prashant Naik said they have given an ultimatum of seven days to the Director to rectify the matter and act against the culprits, failing which they have warned to intensify their agitation.
The lifts at the Junta House have often reported problems with these often breaking down and not functioning for months in the past. Activists had also asked the PWD to replace the old lifts.
