Sinapali: The government introduced the National Food Security Act to ensure food for all. But there are several allegations regarding selection of beneficiaries for the programme.
The Ranimunda gram panchayat in Sinapali block of Nuapada district is densely populated with poor tribals. Most people here depend on five kg of rice per head they get under the food security programme.
But the food security cards were distributed here a long time after they were issued. Moreover, there are several allegations about irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries.
Sources said food security cards were distributed to beneficiaries February 18, 2019 although they were issued October 2, 2018.
Obviously, the question is why were the cards not distributed for four months, and who used the rice in those four months?
January 28, around 50 cards were distributed among the villagers of this panchayat. Villagers like Ganeshram Majhi, Roopsingh Majhi, Purandar Majhi, Kasiram Sunani, Jada Majhi, Durbal Majhi, Ramani Majhi, Lachhmi Majhi, Padmini Majhi and many others alleged irregularities in the scheme.
Beneficiaries had to run around a lot to get their cards, and had to pay middlemen around Rs 500 per card. The villagers have filed written complaints with the District Collector regarding this.
Reacting to this, Sinapali BDO, Surendra Meher, said, “We will investigate why the cards were not distributed in time, and action will be taken against those found guilty.”
PNN