CH NEWS, VIJAYAPURA
While the department is responsible for monitoring the movement and distribution of essential commodities under the public distribution system (PDS), allegations of an active “rice mafia” operating in Vijayapura have raised serious questions over enforcement.
According to allegations, government rice meant to reach poor and eligible beneficiaries is being diverted and sold through illegal channels. The alleged racket requires strict verification of the movement of PDS rice from its allocation and transportation to distribution through fair-price shops.
The issue has assumed greater significance after allegations that a member of the alleged rice racket threatened a reporter of a reputed newspaper in connection with the reporting of the matter. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists investigating alleged irregularities.
Critics allege that despite such developments, the Food Department has failed to demonstrate visible and effective enforcement against those allegedly involved in the illegal trade. The department’s responsibilities include inspecting records and stocks, verifying physical quantities, checking transportation and distribution records and taking action when violations are established.
If government rice is indeed being diverted, the trail of stocks, records and transactions should provide an important basis for investigation.
The recent statewide enforcement drives by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) including surprise inspections of hotels, pubs, quick-commerce warehouses, railway stations and sweet-manufacturing units have demonstrated that regulatory authorities can conduct large-scale inspections when violations are suspected. Against this backdrop, questions are being raised over why similar proactive and surprise inspections are not being visibly undertaken to examine allegations surrounding PDS rice.
The issue is not merely about rice, it concerns food security and the rights of beneficiaries who depend on the public distribution system. The Food Department must now establish through its records and enforcement action whether the allegations of illegal diversion have substance. Regular inspections, stock verification, tracing of supply chains and action against proven violations could help determine whether government rice is reaching its intended beneficiaries.
