VISHVENDU JAIPURIAR
Hazaribag, Feb 18: The Hazaribag administration today imposed a fine on three for lifting ration which is meant for the poor. They have been informed to pay the amount on the basis of the market price for the lifted ration.
The district supply officer Arvind Kumar confirmed this action against the trio of families confirming that despite not being eligible, they enjoyed the benefits by giving wrong information about their financial position.
Notably, one is in CRPF, the other is in the post office and is also the owner of a three-storeyed house whereas the third one’s husband and son are government teachers.
As per the information provided by the district administration to Lagatar24.com, Baiju Prasad, a resident of Jharpo village in Tatijharia block was lifting the ration for a long time. The fact came to the knowledge of officials that Baiju’s son is posted in CRPF.
“We calculated the ration lifted by him so far which is 2,960 kilograms. As per the market value, we have asked him to pay Rs.1.32 lakh,” said Kumar.
Similarly, Saroj Devi, a resident of Jharpo whose husband is posted in the post office situated in Daru block lifted 1,680 kilograms of ration.
“She has to pay Rs. 75,264 to the government for eating the morsel of the poor,” said Kumar.
The case of Munita Devi, a resident of Kendua in Barkatha is more interesting that the duo. Her husband and son are government teachers and despite this, they have lifted 2,200 kilograms of ration so far.
Kumar said Munita has to pay Rs. 98,560 which is the present market price of the lifted foodgrains. Under the state food security act, the trio have been asked to deposit the amount through challan informing them that failure will result in an FIR against them.
Kumar appealed to people not to lift foodgrains if they are not eligible.
“Surrender the ration card otherwise it will land you in trouble,” he informed.
Sources said an inquiry against the trio revealed that they are not eligible for ration cards under Jharkhand’s targeted public distribution order
