Jamshedpur, Feb 20: A major case of alleged food grain embezzlement has surfaced in Potka block near Jamshedpur, where 135 quintals of government-supplied ration meant for beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) were reportedly black-marketed. The grain’s estimated market value stands at approximately ₹5 lakh, officials said.
Following an inquiry, the District Supply Officer (DSO) suspended PDS dealer Mikki Hansda of Gwalkata Panchayat with immediate effect. The investigation found that 203 ration cardholders were deprived of their entitled food grains for three consecutive months — November, December and January.
Officials said the suspension order also covers the outlet operated under the Maa Mansa Mahila Samiti group. To ensure uninterrupted distribution to affected beneficiaries, the ration cards have been temporarily tagged to Uma Gupta, a PDS dealer from Kalikapur Panchayat, who will now oversee the supply process.
The DSO has directed Hansda to distribute the pending 135 quintals of grain within one week. Upon completion, he has been instructed to hand over the e-PoS device and weighing machine to the newly assigned dealer to facilitate transparent distribution.
Issuing a stern warning, Zonal Officer Nikita Bala said, “If the outstanding grain is not distributed within a week, further legal action will be taken by cancelling the shop in the case of grain embezzlement.”
Officials further indicated that failure to comply with the deadline would not only result in cancellation of the dealership licence but could also lead to criminal proceedings under relevant provisions for misappropriation of government food grains.
The administration has assured strict monitoring of the distribution process to safeguard the interests of beneficiaries and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
