People demanded a high-level investigation into the free rations available at government depots

Residents of Junga have raised serious concerns over the distribution of free rations meant for economically weaker families, calling for a high-level investigation into the system. According to locals, the benefits of government schemes are not reaching those who truly need them, while several well-off families continue to avail themselves of subsidized food supplies.

A group of residents, including Ram Thakur, Vedprakash Sharma, Jiya Lal, Nek Ram, Ajay Kumar, and Ramesh Chandra Sharma, allege that the scheme is being widely misused. They claim that many financially stable households—owning vehicles, permanent homes, and modern amenities—are still receiving free rations through government depots under the Priority Household (PHH) category. Meanwhile, several genuinely needy families are being left out.

Locals also pointed out irregularities in how ration cards are issued. In some joint families, multiple ration cards have reportedly been created under different names, allowing them to claim additional benefits. They blame this on lapses at the Panchayat level, where, they allege, officials have categorized such families under BPL (Below Poverty Line) and PHH without strictly following eligibility norms. This has particularly frustrated middle-class families, who feel overlooked despite not qualifying for any subsidies.

Udham Singh Thakur, Director of the Cooperative Society, explained that only three categories are eligible for subsidized or free rations: Antyodaya (the poorest of the poor), BPL, and PHH families. He detailed that a six-member BPL family typically receives 12 kilograms of free rice and 17 kilograms of wheat flour at a highly subsidized rate of ₹1.20 per kg, amounting to 29 kilograms of food grains for just ₹20.40. Similarly, a four-member PHH family gets 20 kilograms of ration—8 kilograms of rice free and 11 kilograms of flour at the same nominal rate—costing only ₹13.40.

When contacted, officials from the Food and Supplies Department in Shimla stated that beneficiary lists are prepared at the Panchayat level, and ration allocation is based on these lists. However, several Panchayat secretaries in Junga tehsil admitted that there could be discrepancies. They acknowledged that some ineligible families might be taking advantage of the system, and said the matter needs careful review.

With growing public concern, residents are now urging authorities to take strict action to ensure that only deserving families benefit from the scheme, restoring fairness and transparency in the distribution process.