PLUNDERING THE POOR’S RATIONS

PLUNDERING THE POOR’S RATIONS

7-AUG-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------Allegations that grain meant for the poor was siphoned off using "remote control" tactics and digital weighing scale manipulation have raised serious questions about the district's Public Distribution System (PDS). The district administration swung into action following reports of alleged short-weighing and grain theft at the Simri block food grain warehouse. As an initial measure, the Assistant Warehouse Manager (AGM) of Simri has been removed with immediate effect, orders have been issued to remove the Technical Assistant, and a show-cause notice has been served to the concerned transporter.

Narendra Kumar, the Buxar District Manager of the State Food Corporation (SFC), stated on Thursday that this action was taken following complaints regarding negligence by the transporter and AGM, as well as irregularities in grain distribution. He added that the AGM from Itarhi has been appointed as the in-charge for the Simri warehouse. Furthermore, the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and an investigation has been launched following reports of protests by dealers and an allegedly viral audio clip.

The anger of PDS vendors boiled over on Wednesday when dozens of Public Distribution System shopkeepers staged a protest and raised slogans outside the Simri food grain warehouse. The vendors allege that the warehouse had been closed for the past three days and that, for several months, they had been receiving less grain than the prescribed quantity. They allege that the computerized weighbridge at the warehouse was being tampered with using electronic chips and remote controls to manipulate weight readings. According to the protesters, this alleged scheme was exposed by an employee of the transporter, after which an audio recording of a purported conversation went viral on social media. However, the viral audio has not been independently verified.

PDS vendors state that most shopkeepers received one to two quintals less food grain this month. One shopkeeper alleged that he was supplied only 49 quintals of grain against an allocation of 50 quintals. They claim this issue has persisted for several months, yet no concrete action has been taken despite complaints.

Addressing the matter, the then AGM, Mohammad Alauddin, dismissed allegations of theft at the warehouse, asserting instead that the theft of food grains was occurring during transit. Conversely, the concerned transporter, Ramashankar, claimed that grain is dispatched to shops only after being weighed at the warehouse, implying that the irregularities were taking place at the warehouse level. Amidst these mutual accusations, investigative agencies have now turned their attention to the entire network.

There is also considerable speculation regarding the role of certain major transporters handling logistics between the FCI and SFC at the district headquarters. According to sources, some transporters secure contracts for 35 vehicles but actually operate fewer .allegedly divert grain during transportation. There is also talk of this network operating through collusion between departmental officials and the supervisors (menthos) working at the warehouses. However, these allegations have not been officially confirmed.

Following the surfacing of this entire matter in the district, it is expected that the investigation—conducted under the supervision of the District Magistrate—will not be limited merely to the block-level warehouses; instead, it will also examine the alleged transporter gang, the technical aspects of the digital weighing scales, the viral audio, and the entire food grain supply chain.

Shrikrishna Chaubey, District President of the PDS Association, stated that this issue concerns the credibility of the Public Distribution System. He has demanded that the district administration constitute an impartial investigation team to conduct a technical probe into the digital scales, the alleged electronic chips, remote controls, and the viral audio, and to take strict departmental and legal action against those found guilty.