Villagers of Rajgarh tehsil allege pilferage of ration

RK Kichlu

Ramban, June 17

Villagers of the newly created Rajgarh tehsil in Ramban district have alleged that the ration dealer of Rajgarh and Jhatgali has been deducting 100-gram flour from 1 kg of the allotted quota of every beneficiary since March.

Reportedly, the total allotted quota of flour for more than 1,600 persons is more than 3,200 kg and by deducting 100-gram flour per kg, the dealer is saving 320 kg of ration which he allegedly sells in black market at the rate of Rs 18 per kg.

“We have not received flour on our ration cards under the Mufti Mohammad Syed Food Entitlement Scheme since January 2017 and rice since March 2018,” said one Gagar Singh.

The villagers alleged that unlike other places in Ramban district, they were not being provided the additional 1-kg sugar for Eid as announced by the government.

“On one hand, the villagers are told that there is no sugar but on the other hand, some privileged persons are given sugar in black at the rate of Rs 40 per kg,” Gagar Singh said.

“We want a government ration sale depot here and a local dealer who is easily accessible to people,” he added.

Issac Khan, who is accused of the malpractice, is the nephew of the actual dealer Mehraj Khan deputed at Halla Dhandrath and having the additional charge of Jhatgali and Rajgarh ration depots. Issac Khan has been allegedly working as a proxy.

He said he had been deducting 100-gm flour per kg as grinding charges at the behest of Tehsil Supply Officer Nazir Ahmed.

“I am following the orders of the Tehsil Supply Officer and providing all the ration that I receive through the contractor. But when I started falling short of flour and incurred losses, I started deducting some quantity of it,” Issaq said.

“I haven’t received the flour under the scheme since January 2017 and sold the Eid sugar to many who had come to me but some people who want special favours are now giving lame excuses,” he added.

When contacted, Assistant Director, Food Civil Services and Consumer Affairs, Ramban, AD Lone said no dealer was supposed to give less quantity of flour. The grinding charges are deducted before the ration reaches the stores. He promised to inquire into the matter.