There is no monga as the government has taken adequate measures including distribution of rice under VGF and OMS programmes.

He said job crisis usually prevails in some particular areas in northern districts now during October-November prior to harvest of Aman crop. Besides, there is no industry in this area. So the jobless people face problem in procuring food.

Some vested quarters try to capitalise on the usual matter and use it as a political weapon, the deputy minister said.

A large number of people in greater Rangpur district are farm labourers.

The deputy minister was addressing small gatherings while visiting a number of VGF and OMS distribution centres at Fulbari, Kamdia and Brisal unions in Gobindagnaj upazila on Saturday.

While talking to newsmen at Gaibandha circuit house later, he said that from November, each VGF card holder will get 30 kg rice against 10 kg earlier allocated.

Four lakh people in Kurigram and Gaibandha districts have been brought under the VGF programme, he said.

The government this year distributed 2000 VGF cards in each union in five northern districts. Besides, additional 500 cards have been allocated to face the monga.