“No shortage of food or essentials in Sikkim"

Gangtok,Sept14: The Sikkim government on Friday asserted that contrary to claims in some quarters there was no shortage of food or medicines or any other essential items in the Sikkim.

In a statement here, it information of the of adequate food stock in FCI godowns in Sikkim, medicines and other essential commodities availability to buttress its argument that the at stock were actually adequate to meet the estimated requirements of the population of state .

Maintaining that the current situation concerning food and medicines was “satisfactory,” it said that it was committed to maintaining sufficient quantities in the Sikkim.

The State government has informed stock of sugar was not released in market as the prices of sugar was lower in the open markets compare to Public distribution government rates .However State government has decided to release stock of sugar through Public Distribution Shops across state to meet any requirement.Further ,it has taken adequate measures to import and stock all essential items through long routes to meet any crisis situation arising out of any natural calamities or breach of highways anywhere in state. It has also started getting supplies through smaller vehicles instead of heavy trucks which are unable to reach due to road conditions. The state government has also announced prohibition of trucks carrying more than 8MT and tankers carrying more than 9 MT on highways of Sikkim to protect damages to road systems due to heavy loads.

It has appealed to people of state for not to panic as situation would improve further in 2-3 days as more supplies are restored in all areas of state.Adequate supply of fuel including kerosene & LPG is being also made available and a steady supply had been established to meet the needs of the Sikkim population.