PDS DEALER REFUSES TO DELIVER RATIONS DESPITE REQUIRING FINGERPRINTS FOR FOUR MONTHS

PDS DEALER REFUSES TO DELIVER RATIONS DESPITE REQUIRING FINGERPRINTS FOR FOUR MONTHS

20-SEP-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA------------------------The Public Distribution System (PDS) dealer is refusing to deliver rations to consumers living in Masahi village, located in the Saraiya Panchayat area of ​​the district's Bhagwanpur block, despite requiring fingerprints for four months. PDS consumers Savitri Devi and Soni Devi, along with dozens of other consumers from Masahi village, accused the PDS dealer, Shiv Shankar Singh, of not providing rations despite providing thumbprints for four months. Consumers stated that the dealer claims rations are only available after thumbprints are submitted. They mislead them by entering their Aadhaar card numbers and then denying them rations. When consumers met with the Panchayat head, Umesh Dubey, and appealed for action, the head assured them of raising the issue with senior officials to resolve the issues. Consumers said the block is just 2 kilometers from the Panchayat, where the Block Supply Officer sits, with whom complaints have been lodged numerous times. However, he conducts investigations from his home and collects his commission, unconcerned about whether consumers receive their rations. Speaking to the media about the matter, Panchayat head Umesh Dubey said:

Hundreds of consumers have complaints about this, and the Public Distribution System dealer has been counseled numerous times. Despite repeated explanations, they are still frustrated. He promises improvement each time, but the likelihood of improvement is slim. Senior officials will be met to request appropriate rations and action against the dealer.

It is deeply concerning that while the government claims to provide rations to the poor at a lower cost, the Public Distribution System dealer, in collusion with the Block Supply Officer, appropriates the rations meant for the poor.