Well-off families are gulping down free rations from the government

 Wealthy families are largely consuming the free rations provided by the central and state governments to poor families through government depots. It should be noted that only three categories of families receive free and subsidized rations: Antyodaya (the poorest category), BPL, and PH (Priority Housing). Interviews with residents of various panchayats in Junga tehsil revealed that many well-off families are benefiting from these schemes. Despite the fact that many well-off families live jointly, separate ration cards have been created in the names of their sons to benefit from government schemes. Panchayat heads, flouting government regulations, have categorized these families into BPL and PH categories. According to depot operators, a BPL ration card with six members receives 12 kilograms of free rice and 17 kilograms of flour at the rate of 1 rupee 20 paise, meaning 29 kilograms of ration is available for 20 rupees 40 paise. Similarly, under the PH scheme, a four-member ration card provides 8 kilograms of free rice and 11 kilograms of flour at a rate of ₹1.20 per kilogram, totaling 20 kilograms for only ₹13.40. Additionally, Antyodaya families, the poorest in the Antyodaya category, receive 15 kilograms of free rice and 19 kilograms of flour at ₹1.20 per kilogram.
When Food and Supply Inspector Ranjana Sood was asked about this, she stated that BPL, PH, and Antyodaya lists are compiled at the Panchayat level, based on which ration allocation is made. Similarly, when several Panchayat secretaries working in Junga Tehsil were interviewed, they also acknowledged that many well-off families are currently benefiting from free rations, but the recent new BPL survey means that most families will be excluded. They stated that, as per government instructions, families with incomes under 1.5 lakh rupees are provided subsidized rations under the PH scheme, but the village head has not collected income proof from any family under this scheme.
Photo – People taking ration at the fair price shop