Akshay Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 22: Former Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD), Mohammad Choudhary Ramzan has been put under State Accountability Commission (SAC) scanner for his alleged involvement in a wheat grinding scandal, causing huge losses to the State exchequer.
While hearing the case filed by RTI activist Dr. Rehmatullah Khora with SAC, Justice J P Singh issued notice to Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan for responding the complaint and the case has been listed on the Nov 30, 2015.
According to the complaint filed by RTI activist, it has been alleged that during his tenure as CAPD Minister in previous coalition Government, Choudhary Ramzan had clandestinely ordered for issuance of Government order 56-CAPD of 2013, dated 9/9/2013, issued by the then Secretary CAPD department, M. Abass Dar, which reads as, "Sanction is accorded to the issuance of 100 % whole meal Atta (means 100 percent grinding) through Public Distribution System for District of the state, henceforth".
Before issuance of this order, the RTI activist has alleged that department used to provide the ration to its consumers viz: Rice, Sugar, Kerosene Oil and 50 % Wheat and 50 % Flour.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) used to dump the said ration in their stores available in far flung areas of J&K and from these stores the CAPD used to lift the required rations, thus no freight charges were expended by the CAPD and in turn were saving huge money of State Government. The RTI activist has further alleged that due to the decision of providing 100 percent wheat Atta, CAPD department started incurring losses to the tune of Rs. 26.50 Lakhs on monthly basis, which was authenticated by department itself in response to RTI application filed by Dr. Rehmatullah, according to order number U.O No: CAPD/Accounts/13-14/30 dated, 19/3/2014.
In response to query, "How much extra money the Government has paid for 100 percent grinding and liability created thereof?", the department reply reads, "Extra money the Government has to be paid for 100 % grinding =Rs. 26.50 Lakhs."
If collected, the CAPD has paid Rs. 662.50 Lakhs so far and still has been paying Rs. 26.50 to the mill owners, the RTI activist has alleged, giving reference of the replies he received through RTI applications from the department.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, Justice J P Singh of SAC issued notice to Ch. Mohd Ramzan for responding the complaint and the case has been listed on the Nov 30, 2015. |
