Kandi/Garhwa: Large scale irregularities in distribution of essential commodities through PDS outlets have been detected in Navdiha tola PS Bhawnathpur of Garhwa district. A PDS dealer, named Rajendra Paswan, license number 17/1998 has not been supplying the essential commodities [Rashan] for last four months. The beneficiaries alleged that we have not received the same for the month of October 2018, December 2018, April 2019 and May 2019. Though, we complaint to BDO Kandi for action but nothing happened so far. Thereafter, a complaint was also lodged with SDO Garhwa and subsequently an online grievance to the CM portal was also raised, but no response has been received till now.
It is alleged that PDS dealers have been allegedly supplying less quantity of essential commodities including rice, wheat, and kerosene to the affected people. The locals said the surplus essential commodities, supplied to such unscrupulous traders, is being sold in black market at a premium and the administration seems involved into it.
Villagers who denied rashan, gathered along with Rashan Cards
The villagers also alleged that dealer Rajendra Paswan has threatened us of which a recording is also kept with us.
A social worker Shashank Shekhar, who works in the area, reveals that the district administration is not doing enough in solving the matter. People of this area are poor and they can't afford to visit the district headquarter Garhwa on regular basis. So, I personally met the senior officials including DC and SDO, and too explained the problems that citizens are facing. I got assurance by the DC Harsha Mangla about the case will be probed and appropriate action will be taken, but so far nothing happened.
Photo; Activist Shashank Shekhar
Two major crisis that the people are facing at the area - one that LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojna, and secondly the seepage in the PDS [Rashan] system. As per the scheme the LPG cylinders to be given free of cost, but beneficiaries have paid between 800 to 1200 rupees each connection. When matter was reported, SDO Pradeep Kumar visited us and also agreed upon that money has been taken against providing them LPG cylinders. During the course of interactions, the probe officer SDO Garhwa has informed both the agencies owners (a) Ma Gayatri Bharat Agency (b) Naval Indane Gas Agency. Both of them choose not to participate into the probe, which was ordered by DC Garhwa, 'says Shashank Shekhar'.
He also added that when I met DC to have details about probe and its outcome, then he told me that I have told the Gas distribution company for next course of action against the agencies owners. When I asked about the refund of money being taken for issuing the cylinders, but DC gives no response, nor he is ready to share any documents written to the Company which he has referred to during the discussion.