Probe into fake ration cards: MLA

 Choudlu gram panchayat President Manu Kumar Rai brought the issue of fake ration cards at the programme. Rai said that fake ration cards are being used illegally at several ration outlets. As a result, those genuine beneficiaries are deprived of its benefits, he pointed out.
He alleged that officials of Food and Civil Supplies Department are hand in glove with the fake ration card irregularity. Officials do not co-operate with people’s representatives too, he added.

Following the complaint raised by Gram Panchayat President, Appachuranjan directed Tahsildar B S Hiriyanna to pay surprise visits to all ration shops to find out irregularities.
A citizen alleged in the meeting that kerosene is sold in black market at Rs 25 per litre in connivance with Civil Supplies Department officials. Government should take action against such illicit traders, he added. Poor people including women expressed their grievances with regard to the distribution of BPL cards. They brought to the notice of MLA that many poor families were given APL cards instead of BPL.

Speaking on the issue, Tahsildar said that there is shortage of staff in the department. Revenue Inspectors and Village Accountants are not willing to take up survey works. Further, Hiriyanna assured that the department would take initiative to solve the problem.
Meanwhile, a woman informed in the meet that a total of 20 houses in Kibbetta village and 15 in Arebetta were not electrified so far even after applications were submitted two years ago.

Certificates of ‘Bhagylakshmi’ scheme and cheques for Ashraya Scheme beneficiaries were distributed on the occasion.  Taluk Panchayat member Paramesh, executive officer G N Nagaraj and circle inspector V Krishnaiah were present.
DH News Service