Malkangiri: Beneficiaries in Nakamamudi Panchayat of Malkangiri district have alleged misappropriation in the supply of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice.
Alleging that the rice meant for people is being smuggled elsewhere, the Sarpanch of Nakamamudi Panchayat has demanded immediate supply and distribution of the PDS rice to all beneficiaries of the panchayat.
As per reports, the said panchayat in the cut-off areas is a BPL dominated area having more than 2140 enlisted beneficiaries from around 51 villages.
Sources said the panchayat is supplied 595 quintals of rice every month. However in March, only 466 quintals of rice were supplied in the area due to which around 300 beneficiaries were deprived of the PDS rice.
Raising question on where the remaining 129 quintals of rice vanished, the Sarpanch alleged that they are being looted by dealers on a large scale.
Biswanath Hantala, Sarpanch, said, "Our beneficiaries have not received PDS rice in March. Even after apprising the administration about the matter, no step was taken.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of beneficiaries who have not availed PDS rice since last three months have gheraoed the panchayat office demanding immediate supply of the rice.
“The Sarpanch of Nakamamudi panchayat had given a written complaint in which he had mentioned that around 300-400 beneficiaries entitled to the PDS rice have not received it in March. The CB has not been allotted as per the requirement which is why we could not distribute rice to some beneficiaries,” said Manoj Pradhan, Inspector Incharge, Supplies Department.