RTI unearthed huge kerosene scam in Maghamela - a festival which is observed by lakhs at Chandrabhaga beach near Konark every year.
Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare has been supplying kerosene to pilgrims during Maghamela every year. In previous years, the kerosene supplied is found to be grossly misappropriated by some vested interests. Last year the department had also supplied 4000 ltrs kerosene through retailers who were directed to open temporary fare price shops at different places in and around Chandrabhaga. The retailers were directed to sell 500 ml of kerosene per head and maintain accounts properly. But queries by a local activist under RTI Act revealed that the kerosene supplied, was not provided to people properly ,instead it was misappropriated by the retailers. Copies of the distribution register exposed forged signatures and thumb impressions of the beneficiaries. In response to complaint by local citizens Raj Kishore Mishra, State Advisor to the Commissioners of Supreme Court, had written to Raj Kumar Sharma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, for investigation and necessary action on April 16 last year. But no action has not been taken yet. Also, during public hearing by Justice D.P.Wadhwa in Bhubaneswar on November 16 last year the matter was placed and Sharma had assured then to take proper action within 24 hours. However no action is yet taken. In impact of this complaint this year allocation of Kerosene for Maghamela was reduced to 1500 ltrs . When RTI used , it was informed by the Marketing Inspector that 61.5 ltrs kerosene is still unsold from the 1500 ltrs. But again the copies of the distribution register exposed forged signatures and thumb impressions of the beneficiaries this year. Some copies of the distribution register is attached herewith. This is to inform that this year 6 Marketing Inspectors were appointed to supervise the distribution system. But the copies of the distribution register indicate the corrupt relationship among the retailer & officials. Who cares the public grievance? Why concerned Dept is Silent? N.A.Shah Ansari
