Through an RTI that we received from the SDO in
August, 2023, we have come to know that the FPS
dealers have been withdrawing allotments every month
including the allotment under Pradhan Mantri Garib
Kalyan Anna Yojna (PMGKAY). However they only
distributed one allotment (the paid one) while the
rice under PMGKAY was misappropriated
From Our Correspondent
Tura, Sep 21: In what could soon turn out to the tip of a major iceberg, residents of Bhaitbari under Dadenggre Civil Sub Division in West Garo Hills (WGH) have sought an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of huge quantities of rice meant for beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
While the residents have pointed to only two of the Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, sources have indicated that most of the FPS dealers may also be involved in similar misappropriation in most places in the plain belt of Garo Hills.
Ration card holders of Bhaitbari I and Bhaitbari II along with the goanburas (headmen) had earlier approached the SDO (Civil) of Dadenggre and filed a complaint against Hazimuddin Ali (Bhaitbari I) and Fuloras Begum (Bhaitbari II).
The first point of complaint, as per the ration card holders, was the fact that they were given less rice in the guise of expenses meant for transportation as well as using fraudulent weights. The villagers complained that the same was true from the month of January 2022 to Dec, 2022.
“Through an RTI that we received from the SDO in Aug, 2023, we have come to know that the FPS dealers have been withdrawing allotments every month including the allotment under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna (PMGKAY). However they only distributed one allotment (the paid one) while the rice under PMGKAY was misappropriated,” claimed the villagers.
As if that was not enough, the two dealers also did not distribute rice to beneficiaries in the months of Feb and June 2023, with these two allotments being completely misappropriated by them.
“A huge embezzlement has been committed by the dealers and we request the authority concerned to stop any further withdrawal of rice by the FPS dealers before an inquiry is done,” they stated.
Further the ration card holders accused the two FPS dealers of deducting 1 kg rice for each beneficiary on the pretext of transportation charges. This comes despite the fact that transportation for their allotment is paid for by the suppliers themselves.
“It is an illegal and unlawful act and liable for punishment. We have also found that the quantity of rice given is less when weighed outside. This indicates that their weights are fraudulent. We request the authorities to take immediate action against the said dealers and to stop their allotment withdrawal till the completion of an inquiry into their activities,” felt the villagers.