Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has cancelled the licences of 75 ration dealers in the state after investigations revealed irregularities in the distribution of food grains under the public distribution system (PDS).
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the Assembly that 3,624 inspections and investigations have been conducted in the current financial year to check complaints related to ration distribution. Following these inquiries, the licences of 75 dealers were cancelled, while punitive action was taken in one case, he said in a written reply.
The minister stated that the government has strengthened monitoring of ration distribution through technology. Food grains are now distributed using e-POS machines connected to electronic weighing scales, and beneficiaries are verified through online biometric authentication to ensure transparency.
He added that supply officers regularly inspect ration distribution centres across the state. In cases where complaints are received, immediate and strict action is taken against erring dealers.
The issue came up in the Assembly during the second phase of the Budget Session following concerns over alleged irregularities in ration distribution.
In an unstarred question, Congress MLA Rama Chandra Kadam said serious complaints were being received from several parts of the state regarding underweight distribution, poor quality rice and irregular supply at ration centres.
Kadam sought details on the number of inspections conducted by the government to address such complaints and the action taken against ration dealers found violating the rules.
Responding to the query, the minister said the state government remains committed to ensuring that ration card beneficiaries receive their entitled food grains without any discrepancy, and that strict action would continue against dealers involved in malpractice.
