Assam: Misappropriation of NFSA rice in Tinsukia district comes to light

DOOMDOOMA: Lately, a large-scale misappropriation of NFSA rice in Tinsukia district has come to light. The misappropriation of 1063.55 quintals of NFSA rice allotted to M/s. Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd. for distribution among the NFSA beneficiaries through Fair Price Shops has now raised a lot of questions about the transparency of the public distribution system in the state.

On receiving information from M/s. TRHK Business Private Ltd., the appointed transporter of food grains under NFSA-2013, Tinsukia, regarding difficulties in transportation of food grains under NFSA-2013, Tier II, and unavailability of stock of rice for distribution against the month of July 2023 in respect of Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd. on July 7 and 18, 2023, Manoj Kumar Bora, the I/C Deputy Director, and the Licencing Authority of FPD&CA, Tinsukia ordered an inquiry into the matter. Santanu Bordoloi, the Inspector of FPD&CA, Tinsukia, was entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the inquiry.

Accordingly, Inspector Bordoloi conducted the inquiry and submitted the report on August 28 with all relevant documents. From the inquiry report and the documents submitted by the inquiry officer, it was clear that Bhuban Sonowal, the Secretary of Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd. was involved in doing irregularities in conducting the business such as - failure to produce the book of accounts before the enquiry officer for the period of 2016-17, maintenance of false and fabricated accounts of distribution in the quota endorsement books of the Fair Price Shop Dealers under Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd, indulging in misappropriation and diversion of 1063.55 quintals of rice under NFSA - 2013 against July, 2023 received from FCI godown thereby depriving the intended beneficiaries under the Targeted Public Distribution System.

After receiving the inquiry report, the I/C Deputy Director and the Licencing Authority of FPD&CA, Tinsukia, lodged an FIR against Bhuban Sonowal, the secretary of M/S Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd., at Dholla Police Station on September 1. But the accused secretary is absconding until the filing of this report. On the other hand, the I/C Deputy Director and the Licencing Authority of FPD&CA, Tinsukia, have suspended the sub-wholesale licence bearing the registration number SAIKHOWA/42 granted and issued to the Secretary of M/s Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd. with immediate effect.

To ensure regular and uninterrupted supply of PDS and TPDS commodities to the consumers, the nearby sub-wholesaler, M/s. Dangari GP Samabai Samity Ltd., is entrusted with the responsibility of lifting and distributing the allotted commodities to the Fair Price Shops of M/s. Saikhowa GP Samabai Samity Ltd. until further order. Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Tinsukia, Swapneel Paul, made it clear that the Tinsukia District Administration would never compromise with such a type of corruption. The district administration will work in the interest of the public, the district commissioner further said.

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