Consumers body seeks probe into corruption in PDS

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, July 11: A memorandum highlighting the burning issue of random corruption in public distribution system (PDS) at Lakhipur sub-division was submitted to TTD Doulagopu, SDO (Civil) by Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS) on Thursday. The Samiti along with the common masses also organized a rally and dhar in front of the SDO office.

The memorandum said that due to numerous irregularities and massive corruption the public distribution system in Lakhipur sub-division has collapsed completely. The common people are undergoing a lot of struggle as they are not getting their due commodities under PDS. Since the last 10 years around 1 crore quintal of rice has been swindled by corrupt officials and about 90% of the consumers have not been allotted APL rice over the past decade. Instead of 12 allotments per year only 7 to 8 allotments of rice under BPL and AAY scheme is being distributed to poor and helpless people yearly. Only about 54% of the consumers are covered under these schemes and additiol rice allotment under APL and BPL category has never been allotted to them.

 The memorandum further alleged that the consumers are being cheated in terms weight, retail price and suppression in allotment of actual quantities of goods to them. Further, the consumers are not being given cash memos by the fair price shop owners. More than 90% of Family Identity Card holders are not being supplied their allotted flour. As per the rules, there is a provision for 30% free allotment of kerosene oil in PDS every month but in Lakhipur sub-division it is being distributed for only 3 to 4 months in a year and more than 60% of the area is not being covered under the scheme. Besides, the consumers are being charged Rs.20 per litre for kerosene oil.

 The memorandum also said corruption particularly in Binkandie Co-operative society has crossed all levels and the members of the Samiti have been threatened with dire consequences if the organization does not stop its awareness campaign against the rampant corruption in the co-operative. The members urged the SDO (Civil) to look into the matter as soon as possible. The memorandum was signed by Biplab Kumar Goswami, general secretary, Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS).