State food commission report irregularities in ration distribution in Edamalakudy

Idukki: Serious irregularities were found in ration distribution during an inspection led by state food commission chairperson Ginu Zacharia Oommen in Edamalakudy tribal panchayat on Saturday. The inspection, conducted based on complaints, revealed that ration shops at Societykudy and Vellavarakudy have not maintained records of food grain stock or distribution. Essential registers were also not kept, and the shops were found to be operating without following proper norms.A preliminary inquiry had earlier detected a shortage of 65 metric tonnes of food grains, following which a detailed investigation was initiated under the district collector. Beneficiaries told the chairperson that they had not been receiving their entitled ration regularly since Feb. They alleged that tokens were issued by shop owners to card holders and later they were rejected on the grounds of expiry when they returned to collect the ration. The commission clarified that such a token system was illegal. It has recommended strict action against Akhil Jose, secretary of Girijan Service Cooperative Society, which holds the licence for the ration shops, for serious lapses in distribution. It also pointed out negligence on the part of officials concerned and recommended action against them.The commission has directed govt to initiate prosecution under the Essential Commodities Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Instructions have also been given to identify beneficiaries who were denied rations and provide them with food security allowance through a special adalat in coordination with Edamalakudy panchayat. To prevent disruption in ration supply in the remote tribal region, the commission has directed the civil supplies department to take urgent measures. The feasibility of introducing mobile ration shops in the area would also be examined.