NHRC probe uncovers PDS irregularities in Jamshedpur and Seraikela

Shops found closed, stock records inconsistent

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: The National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Special Reporter, retired IAS officer Suchitra Sinha, has exposed significant irregularities in the Public Distribution System (PDS) across Jamshedpur, Seraikela, and Neemdih. The investigation, conducted on NHRC directives, revealed discrepancies in storage registers, irregular shop operations, and the denial of food grains to ration cardholders.

During her visit to East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts, Sinha inspected several PDS shops, including those in Jugsalai, Sakchi, Sonari, and villages in Seraikela and Neemdih. Her findings paint a concerning picture of mismanagement in the distribution of essential food supplies meant for the underprivileged.

The investigation revealed that PDS shops operated by dealers Vinod Kumar Jha and Lal Sardar in Jugsalai were closed during inspection. Attempts to contact the shopkeepers were unsuccessful as their mobile phones were switched off.

At the Saraswati Mahila Self Help Group PDS shop in Sonari, several irregularities were identified. Cardholders reported that their thumb biometrics were taken over two weeks ago, but they had yet to receive their food grains. Many claimed the shop operates only once or twice a month, often running out of grain within two days.

“There is no accountability. The shop remains closed most of the time, and we are often told the grain is finished,” said a local cardholder on condition of anonymity.

The inspection also highlighted discrepancies between the grain stock registers and the actual stock in godowns. Faulty weighing equipment further added to the grievances of beneficiaries.

The NHRC team inspected PDS shops operated by Maa Mansa Mahila Samiti in Adardih, along with those run by Chandra Mohan Gorai, Om Prakash Sharma, Anand Dev Rajak, Anita Devi, Amresh Kumar, Ajay Kumar, and others. In each case, multiple violations were noted, including missing signboards, unregulated shop timings, and improper record-keeping.

The findings have been documented in a comprehensive report, which will be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Based on this report, the Food and Supplies Department will issue show-cause notices to the shopkeepers.

“If their responses are unsatisfactory, their licenses will be suspended immediately,” a senior NHRC official stated.

This investigation underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of the PDS to ensure that essential supplies reach the intended beneficiaries without delay.