Joint survey over, work of 20,000 MT capacity FCI depot to begin soon at Bihara: Centre

Aug. 3: In replying to a question (Starred Question No 203) raised by Silchar MP Dr Rajdeep Roy as regards the plan of the Union government in setting up of a FCI Depot in Cachar, the Minister of Consumer Affairs & Food Distribution replied that,”Under Central Sector (erstwhile Plan) Scheme (2017-2022) ‘Storage & Godowns, this Department has given approval to construct godown of 20,000 MT Capacity by Food Corporation of India (FCI) at Silchar/ Bihara under Cachar district of Assam.”

MP Dr Rajdeep Roy asked:

“Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any plan to construct Food Corporation of India (FCI) depot in the Cachar district of Assam;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor? ”

Replying to his query, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles on 3 August, 2021 said, “Under 12th Five year plan of Government of India, a project for Construction of 20,000 MT capacity Rail fed Godown at Bihara, Si!char was approved on 12.10.2012. After exploring land options, in June 2017, State Government of Assam offered a parcel of land at the total estimated cost of Rs. 14.12 crores as per Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.”

“FCI has deposited around 50% of land cost amounting to Rs.6.88 crores totaling to Rs. 7.00 crores which includes Rs. 12 lakhs old balance remaining with State Government of Assam, in November 2017. Approval to Land Acquisition estimates for 3 patta lands have been communicated in March 2021 by State Government of Assam to local district Administration and approval towards remaining 2 Khas lands (Railway and general khas lands) is under process,” added the Minister.

Piyush Goyal further replied, “Additional Deputy Commissioner Cachar, Si!char has requested Railways vide letter dated 14th June and 20th July 2021 for issuing No Objection Certificate (NOC) towards the Railways land proposed under acquisition to FCI. Railways has conducted the joint survey of their land on 17.6.2021 and further process is underway. Payment of the remaining amount of Rs. 7.15 Crores from FCI to State Government of Assam is also under Process.”

As regards, Q. No. C, the Minister replied, “Question does not arise.”

Expressing his views on this matter, Silchar MP Dr Rajdeep Roy while speaking with way2barak from Delhi said, “I am optimistic that this huge FCI depot will bring new hopes for the people of the valley. Once completed, it would not only become a store house of food grains, but also would go a long way for income generation for the people of this valley.”