Kendrapara: Beneficiaries enrolled under Food Security Act are upset over supply of sub-standard rice to them at Sansarfala Gram panchayat in Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district. Several people alleged that the rice supplied to them is not fit for consumption.
One Rabindra Barik of Sansarfala village has been distributing rice under Food Security Act as dealer in the locality since last two years after joining with the Panchamukhi SHG group. As many as 4 wards of Sansarfala and 4 of Gunthi get rice from the dealer point.
But, the locals alleged that the rice that they have received is black and broken and mixed with mud. One can find insects swarming over the rice which lets out such a bad odour that it is difficult to eat.
When they asked the dealer why he has been giving sub- standard rice which is not fit for human consumption, Barik allegedly informed them the rice has been provided by the government and he has been only distributing it. When the beneficiaries said they would not collect the sub-standard rice, the dealer misbehaved with them, alleged villagers of Sansarfala.
The dealer has been providing grains under public distribution system properly and in time. So, the beneficiaries Tuesday knocked the doors of the BDO of Pattamundai, demanding to tag the neighbour Goptira dealer to distribute grains.
They stated that though they had drawn the attention of the panchayat executive officer, gram rojgar sevak (GRS) and sarpanch, the rice is not being replaced. The locals alleged that sub-standard rice is added to good quality stuff and then supplied to people.
The locals informed the BDO of Pattamundai block, Pabitra Mohan Kanungo, who assured them to look into the matter and to take necessary steps.
The CSO of Kendrapara, Rajanikanta Das, stated that he is going to conduct an inquiry into the allegations.
PNN
