Ration card controversy: Block chairperson availed PDS rice in Odisha’s Titilagarh!

In a shocking revelation, a Block Chairperson in Odisha’s Bolangir district has been found allegedly availing subsidized rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS). 

The matter has sparked widespread debate, raising serious concerns over the misuse of government welfare schemes meant for the underprivileged.

Ration Card Under a Different Name

The controversy revolves around Titilagarh Block Chairperson Sanyukta Nayak, who has allegedly been collecting ration every month. Upon investigation, her name appears on the official ration card list, but not directly as ‘Sanyukta Nayak’. Instead, the registered name is ‘Sanyukta Pradhan’, which surfaced after she married Narottam Pradhan. 

It is suspected that despite her position and financial stability, she continued availing PDS benefits meant for the economically weaker sections.

Stopped Taking Rations Post e-KYC Implementation

Interestingly, for the past two months, she has reportedly stopped collecting ration. According to Titilagarh Supplies Assistant, after the introduction of the e-KYC verification process, she has not appeared to withdraw her entitlement. This development raises further questions about how she managed to avail PDS rice for so many years without being flagged by the system.

Wealth and Eligibility Concerns

The issue has ignited public outrage, as people question how an elected representative with a two-storied house and a car could qualify for a ration card in the first place. Concerns have also been raised about why this issue remained undiscovered for so many years, and how loopholes in the system allowed her to take advantage of government subsidies.

Investigation Ordered by Sub-Collector

Reacting to the controversy, Titilagarh Sub-Collector has ordered a full-fledged investigation into the matter. Authorities are expected to review the eligibility criteria, scrutinize documents, and take necessary action if any violations are confirmed.

This case underscores the need for stricter monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure that government welfare schemes reach the truly deserving beneficiaries.

“Whoever is the person, the state government has inclusion and exclusion criteria. Everything will be investigated, “said Titilagarh Sub-Collector, Rehan Khatri.