Food for Thought? Millions Worth of Ration Rice Vanishes in Bengal, No Action Taken

West Bengal is reeling under a shocking revelation: subsidized foodgrain meant for distribution through ration shops has been disappearing in large quantities from distributor points. State inspections have exposed a massive scam, with thousands of quintals of rice and wheat vanishing into thin air between July and December 2023, amounting to an estimated loss of Rs. 10-15 crore.

Disturbingly, despite this alarming discovery, no criminal charges have been filed against the errant distributors. Instead, only showcause notices have been served. This lack of serious action raises serious questions about accountability and negligence within the state's food and supplies department.

The irregularities were unearthed in three key areas:

• Kakdwip and Magrahat in South 24 Parganas: Inspections revealed a staggering shortfall of 15,039.926 quintals of rice in Kakdwip alone, amounting to a loss of Rs. 5.71 crore. Ration card holders faced shortages, yet the distributor received only a slap on the wrist with a suspension notice.

• Magrahat: A similar inspection in July exposed a missing 6,488.786 quintals of rice and wheat, prompting no action against the distributor. Interestingly, the department allocated additional grain in August, seemingly more focused on covering up the theft than pursuing legal avenues.

• Rampurhat: A shortfall of 2,150.8425 quintals of rice and 46.645 quintals of wheat flour was discovered in September. The department merely requested the cooperative society acting as distributor to compensate for the loss, highlighting the lax response to the extensive pilfering.

These incidents raise grave concerns about the effectiveness of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in West Bengal. If foodgrain is siphoned off at distributor points, the most vulnerable sections of society - ration card holders - suffer the brunt of the consequences. The lack of strong action by the authorities only perpetuates the cycle of corruption and undermines the very purpose of PDS.

The ongoing scam echoes the past. Similar allegations of foodgrain theft surfaced during the tenure of former food and supplies minister Jyoti Priya Mallick, who was arrested for corruption. It seems the "tradition" continues, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency within the department.

The silence from the department officials is deafening. Their refusal to comment on the record only adds to the suspicion and fuels public outrage. A thorough investigation and swift legal action against the culprits are necessary to restore faith in the PDS and ensure that vulnerable populations receive their rightful share of subsidized foodgrain.