Nagar in deep trouble over PDS graft
JAIPUR: Minister of state for food and civil supplies Babu Lal Nagar seems to have landed in deeper trouble over alleged corruption in allotment of foodgrain under the public distribution system (PDS).
According to sources, the Centre had clearly restrained the food and civil supplies department from distributing wheat allotted under PDS in the form of aata (flour), maida (refined flour) or suji (semolina flour). The department admits this in para-2 of its allotment order [F-13(1)/ Khadya evam Nagrik Apurti Vibhag/2010/AAY, BPL, APL] dated February 4, 2010. In fact, in a press statement released on February 5, the minister categorically mentioned that the department would ensure that the wheat allotted under the PDS will not be distributed as aata, maida or suji.
Yet, the minister later allowed and even advocated distribution of PDS wheat as flour to the above poverty line ( APL) and below poverty line (BPL) families at different rates. According to sources, between October 2009 and July 31, 2010 the department got nearly 1.20 lakh metric tonnes of wheat converted into flour and distributed to the target group consumers. This flour was sold through ration shops and dairy booths across Rajasthan.
The key allegation against the minister and his department being investigated by the anti-corruption bureau ( ACB) relates to benefiting some flourmills engaged for converting the PDS wheat into flour. It is alleged that tenders to the flourmills were awarded at a much higher price (Rs 215 per quintal) than the prevailing market rate (between Rs 150 and Rs 175 per quintal).
The accused minister, Nagar refused to comment when contacted by TOI on Thursday. “I know nothing,” Nagar replied.
At various press briefings earlier, the minister had told media that the department was distributing flour instead of wheat “to check diversion of PDS foodgrain by ration dealers”. Interestingly, the Centre’s instructions mentioned that PDS wheat should not be sold in any form of flour so that its diversion by the ration dealers could be checked.