Beneficiaries gherao BDO, Supplies Inspector in Odisha over non-supply of PDS rice

Tension prevailed at Karanjadia under Basudevpur block in Bhadrak district after scores of women beneficiaries gheraoed the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Supplies Inspector alleging irregularities in distribution of PDS rice.

The women beneficiaries created ruckus as they alleged two months of PDS rice quota is yet to be provided to them. Though they had earlier brought the matter to the notice of BDO, no step was allegedly taken in this regard. On Monday, the women beneficiaries staged a demonstration and gheraoed the BDO inside the block office.

Moreover, some beneficiaries were also seen dragging the Supplies Inspector on the road. However, a scuffle broke out between Police and women beneficiaries when the cops tried to rescue the Supplies Inspector. Police have detained two persons in this connection.

Ranjita Mahanta, a ward member said, “We are entitled to get rice for five months. The dealer had provided three months rice quota and people are yet to receive the quota for next two months. Though we had brought the matter to the notice of officials, no step is taken despite lodging a complaint in August.”

BDO, on the other hand, said, “The beneficiaries had come with the grievances in August. The dealer had assured to distribute rice within one month. We had asked the beneficiaries to report the matter if they do not receive rice. We are looking into the matter."