FCI godowns picketed

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, MARCH 5. Hundreds of villagers today picketed Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns all over Rajasthan demanding foodgrains as wages under the drought relief work. They also demanded a minimum of 10 kg grains per month to every individual under the Public Distribution System and employment for all.

The picketing and day-long dharna were part of the programme chalked out by over 60 activist groups and NGOs, who have come together under the Rajasthan Network for Fighting Famine and Drought banner. Reports received here said in about a dozen districts, including the worst hit Udaipur, Rajsamand, Ajmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Sikar and Chittorgarh demonstrations were held outside.The FCI godown was chosen as venue for the protest as the Centre is yet to allocate free foodgrains under Food for Work. Ironically the Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Mr. Sriram Chouhan, is scheduled to launch the Prime Minister's ``Annapoorna Yojna'' here tomorrow.

In Jaipur, villagers from Chaksu, Dudu and Phagi panchayat samitis blocked the main gate of the FCI godowns on the Jaipur- Kota Highway. The agitation was led by the activists of PUCL, Bharatiya Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Kumarappa Institute, Samagra Seva Sangh, All India Progressive Women's Association and Adhar.

Later a delegation met the State Relief Minister, Mr. Shaktawat and submitted a memorandum.

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