Bajhang, April 16 -- Shortage of subsidised rice looms large in several settlements of Saipal, a remote local unit in Bajhang district of Sudurpaschim Province. The impoverished families in the remote settlements have been hit hardest by the nationwide lockdown since the subsidised rice they depend on has not reached their villages.

Although the Food Management and Trading Company Limited has its temporary sale depot in Saipal, the local population is highly dependent on contractors for the supply of subsidised rice.

"Subsidised rice has to be transported through contractors as the food office here only has a temporary depot. The contractors often delay the supply of rice in remote villages," said Rajendra Dhami, the chairman of the loc...