Corruption cripples food security card system

Special Correspondent

Silchar, Aug 23: There has been widespread allegation about the alleged corrupt practices in the distribution of food security cards in south Barak. After the coming to power of the BJP led government at Dispur, efforts have been going on to bring about transparency in the system. Those ineligible for the benefits after strict warning notes have returned their cards. But, according to a source, all have not complied with the guideline or instruction to return their cards. The source further alleges that in distributing the cards returned among the target people, there has been repeat of the corrupt practice.

 There is also allegation that the price of per kg rice is being charged at Rs.5 instead of the fixed Rs.3. Besides, the fair price shop agents, as alleged, provide the consumers under the scheme rice to the tune of 4.5 kg only instead of the fixed 5 kg for each beneficiary. The agents on the other hand allege that despite the assurance of the state government to pay them the carrying charge against the billed amount. For the last 8 months, they have not received any carrying charges.

 An agent of Tilka tea garden in Lakhipur sub division under Jiri-Fulertal Cooperative Society said since his area is quite isolated and iccessible with no means of communication, it is hardly possible for him to carry the rice from cooperative society unless carrying charge is reimbursed by the administration. Moreover, agents in general have another grievance to share. They are supplied rice of lesser weight to the tune of 300 to 400 grams against the officially fixed quantity of 5 kg each beneficiary.

 Caught in the tussle between the beneficiaries and the agents, the food and civil supply department officials advise them to settle the matter mutually. In the meantime, around 12 cooperative societies of Lakhipur sub division have in a written representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar recently have expressed their ibility to maintain the guidelines in respect of the food security card unless carrying charges are paid to them. Notwithstanding the reality of the situation, public resentment on the issue of fair distribution of rice under food security card has been mounting from various areas of the sub division which include Gosaigaon, Lakhipur tea garden, Binkandie Ghat, Tilka tea garden among others.