Khairaput: Even as the administration claims to have brought in transparency in all government transactions with the introduction of Aadhaar cards, it has turned out to be bane of the primitive Bonda tribals, a report said.
While the tribals are denied their quota of rice on the ground that they are yet to enroll their names to get Aadhaar, their share of rice is allegedly misappropriated by officials.
A case in point is the plight of the inhabitants of 12 villages in Mudulipada panchayat of this block in Malkangiri district. The authorities have issued ration cards to 1,185 beneficiaries of these villages and the latter are entitled to get 35 kg of rice each per month. Though 414 quintals of rice are received by the dealer at the panchayat, many beneficiaries are deprived of their quota, it was learnt.
Samari Kirshani and Mangala Kirshani alleged they didn’t get their quota of rice for the last two months. Panchayat executive officer (PEO) Rabi Puhan refused them the provisions as they don’t have the Aadhaar cards, the duo said. Hundreds of National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries of the panchayat have been deprived of rice, according to reports.
On the other hand, it has been shown on paper that all the beneficiaries have received their quota of rice.
While supply assistant Shukra Muduli admitted to have the surplus stock of about 200 quintals of rice at the godown, it is alleged that the supplies inspector and the PEO are planning to misappropriate the consignments by showing them in the stock of the coming months.
Mudulipada sarpanch Jyotsnarani Majhi said it is surprising to learn that such a huge quantity of rice is still left at the godown even after distribution among beneficiaries. She would take up the matter with the higher authorities if she finds any irregularities, Majhi said.
PEO Puhan blamed the subordinate staff for the situation while district civil supplies officer Abhimanyu Mohanty said a five-member squad would verify all the papers of the panchayat over the matter. Stringent action would be taken against the guilty, Mohanty said. PNN
