Government Cracks Down on Ration Card Scam and Rice Theft in Odisha

Mohan govt cracks down on Odisha's rice theft scam; surprise raids, GPS tracking, and CCTV to curb corruption in ration distribution.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a significant development, the Mohan government has adopted a stringent approach towards addressing the rampant ration card scam and rice theft that have plagued Odisha. The scale of the issue is staggering, revealing widespread corruption and theft at multiple levels.

Key Details of the Scam

   1. National Food Security Scheme : Under the National Food Security Scheme, Odisha receives 1,315,210 quintals of rice each month. This equates to approximately 2,630,420 sacks of rice being dispatched from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouses to state warehouses.

 2. Theft Mechanism :

A network of corrupt officials, including contractors, dealers, and officers, has been systematically siphoning off rice meant for free distribution to the poor. These unscrupulous individuals extract approximately 4 kg of rice from each sack, amassing vast sums of money through this illicit activity.

3. Financial Impact :

• Monthly Theft: With 4 kg of rice being stolen from each of the 2,630,420 sacks, the total stolen rice amounts to a significant quantity. At the government rate of ₹30 per kg, this translates to a monthly loss of ₹31.56 crore.

• Annual Theft: Annually, this cumulative theft amounts to a staggering ₹378.72 crore.

Government Response

The issue of rice theft was recently acknowledged by Food Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, who admitted to the theft occurring at various levels. In response, the minister has ordered an immediate investigation to curb this malpractice and ensure accountability.

Measures to Combat Rice Theft

1.Surprise Raids: The government will conduct surprise raids from warehouses to block levels to catch perpetrators in the act and deter future theft.

2.GPS Tracking: All vehicles transporting rice will be equipped with GPS trackers to monitor their movements and prevent unauthorized diversions.

3.CCTV Installation: CCTV cameras will be installed in all warehouses to ensure continuous surveillance and prevent theft.

4.Accountability: The distribution process involves around 500 contractors and 7,963 dealers, with over 8,000 individuals participating in the entire distribution chain.

Following the minister's directive, scrutiny on these individuals has increased, raising hopes of significant reforms.

Looking Ahead

The Mohan government’s proactive measures aim not only to halt the ongoing theft but also to bring those responsible to justice. This crackdown represents a crucial step towards restoring integrity and ensuring that resources meant for the poor reach their intended beneficiaries. The state now watches closely to see when the perpetrators of this massive scam will be held accountable and brought to justice.