Sambalpur: Massive irregularities in advance distribution of free rice to PDS beneficiaries during the COVID-19 restrictions have been alleged in the district, a report said.
The state government and the Centre issued directions for advance distribution of free rice to the beneficiaries so that they will not face hardship in arranging their food during the COVID-19 induced lockdowns and shutdowns.
The rice was to be distributed in advance for a period of five months under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. However, the welfare measure did not have a smooth sailing as allegations of irregularities in rice distribution rocked the district administration.
It was alleged that a major racket was involved in the irregularities as many of the beneficiaries failed to get free rice during this period. This happened as the civil supplies officials failed to make timely verification of rice supply, its stock and distribution. Moreover, it was also alleged that the irregularity is not limited to the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation area alone but is spread to Redhakhole and Kuchinda sub-divisions.
The matter came to the fore after vernacular daily ‘Dharitri’ published a report in this regard in its November 22 edition.
The report rocked the district administration as the district civil supplies officer, Subodh Mallick, sought a probe.
It was alleged that some civil supplies officers, level-2 contractors and supply assistants of panchayats and the municipal corporation are hand in gloves in the wrongdoing.
The order unnerved many as the sale and stock registers of supply assistants were not updated during the verification for which they have been asked to update the same within a particular time frame.
Attempts are being made to get the sale and receiving dates of rice from the level-2 contractors and update the same in their sale and stock registers.
A supply assistant on condition of anonymity sought to clarify stating that the government ordered distribution of rice, pulses, wheat, kerosene during the Covid restrictions. This pushed them into severe stress as they had to handle huge stocks that arrived for distribution among the beneficiaries.
It was nearly impossible for them to make regular entries in the sale and stock registers. Delay and short supply of food stocks by the contractors was a regular affair for which they had to sign and receive the stocks as mentioned in the receiving report.
When contacted, the CSO said an investigation has been ordered and truth will come out after the inquiry report is submitted.
PNN