Issues over ration distribution: Civil supplies dept, food commission in tussle

Thiruvananthapuram: Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and the State Food Commission are apparently in a tussle over issues related to ration distribution. 

The tussle erupted after issues related to E-PoS machines resulted in a non-supply of ration in some parts of the state in April. Nearly 2 lakh beneficiaries were allegedly affected. 

According to Food Security Allowance Rules, 2015, food security allowance should  be paid to Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders if there is non-supply of food grains. Former MLA Joseph M Puthussery (Kerala Congress) had approached State Food Commission. He cited non-supply of ration in April. Following this, State Food Commission intimated district grievance officers, seeking details regarding the matter. 

However, there was no action. State Food Commission did not get any details about affected individuals from the officers concerned. The major allegation is that inaction was due to the intervention of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs maintains that there were no complaints over non-supply of ration. The ration supply was also extended to May 5 to compensate for the delay, sources noted.

On the other hand, it is alleged that the apparent tussle is due to the rivalry between CPI and CPM affiliates.