In a decisive move against corruption in the public distribution system (PDS), the District Magistrate of East Champaran, Saurabh Jorwal, has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all ration shops and warehouses across the district. The action comes in response to widespread complaints of poor beneficiaries receiving significantly less than their entitled quantity of free food grains.
Directive for District-Wide Inspection and Strict Action
On Sunday, DM Saurabh Jorwal directed the district manager of the State Food Corporation to immediately inspect all Public Distribution Shops (PDS) and storage warehouses in every block of Motihari. The DM issued clear instructions to take strict legal action against any erring officers, employees, transporters, and PDS dealers found guilty of providing reduced quantities of rations to the poor.
The administration has been receiving similar complaints from all subdivisions for some time, Jorwal stated, clarifying that the situation is a direct result of negligence by the concerned officers. He emphasized that the law must take its course against those responsible for the malpractice.
Large-Scale Irregularities Uncovered in Key Blocks
The district administration has been alerted to large-scale irregularities within the PDS network, with particularly serious reports emerging from Patahi, Pakaridayal, Dhaka, and Madhuban blocks. According to beneficiaries, a collusion between warehouse vendors and block supply and marketing officers has led to a systematic theft of food grains.
The modus operandi involves providing only 43 to 46 kilograms of grains in sacks that are meant to hold 50 kg. This deliberate shortage, siphoned off at various stages, directly impacts the poorest families who depend on the free rations for survival. Beneficiaries have alleged that warehouse vendors are key players in this racket, reducing the allocated amount and distributing grains at their own discretion.
Atmosphere of Intimidation and Flouting of Regulations
The corruption network also employs intimidation tactics to maintain its operations. Sources reveal that PDS dealers who dared to complain about receiving underweight sacks were threatened with rigorous inspections of their shops by block-level officials. This created an environment of fear, silencing potential whistleblowers.
It has been reported that supply officials, warehouse management personnel, and transporters have been collectively flouting regulations with impunity. The entire chain, from storage to transportation to final distribution, has been compromised, ensuring that the pilfered grains never reach their intended recipients.
The DM's intervention signals a strong administrative push to cleanse the system and ensure that welfare schemes deliver their full benefits to the vulnerable populations of East Champaran. The success of this crackdown will depend on the rigor of the inspections and the follow-through on promised legal actions.
