'Dealer made most of invalid cards'

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 22: Villagers have lodged a complaint with the Habibpur block development officer, informing that a modified ration dealer, Mr Binoy Choudhury, used to lift food and other materials in the name of 27 dead persons, the administrative officials said today. Though the villagers had lodged several complaints against Mr Choudhury, but the administration could not take any action against him due to technical problem based on the West Bengal Public Distribution System and Control Order 2003. Besides lifting food materials in the name of the dead persons, it was also alleged that the dealer used to sell rice to the people who were below the poverty line at Rs 9 per kg, when the government rate was only Rs 3 under the Antyadaya Yojona. The CPI (ML) Liberation leader, Mr Mrityunjay Das claimed that the villagers had submitted a complaint, regarding the dead persons, by pointing out their ration card numbers. The Malda sub divisional officer, Mrs Arunima De and the district controller, food and supplies, Mr Asim Basu admitted that they have received the complaints from the villagers. “We have informed the matter to the DCFS and they would take a final decision against the dealer after an inquiry”, said Mrs De, the Malda SDO. Interestingly, due to some technical problems of PDSC order, the administration is not in a position to lodge a complaint with the police against the dealer, owing to lack of a nod from the DCFS. The villagers had been protesting against the corrupt dealer since mid-October and lodged a written complaint against the dealer on 17 and 19 October and again on 21 November. “We cannot suspend him now and we also cannot start an inquiry against him, according to the PDSC Order of 2003”, said Mr Asim Basu, the deputy director and district controller, in charge of the Malda food and supplies. “The dealer Mr Binoy Choudhury fell ill and was admitted to a hospital. Two days ago he was discharged. He met with the officials and submitted a doctor’s certificate to say that he needs at least one month’s rest,” Mr Basu informed The Statesman.