RTI unveiled corruption ; Why Dr. Sharma is silent ?
The Dept. for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Govt. of Orissa, through the Sub-Collector Puri has been supplying Kerosene oil to the pilgrims coming to Chandrabhaga, during the 'Magh Mela' which is celebrated each year at Chandrabhaga, Konark. Originally this decision had been taken by the Govt. of Orissa since long years ago to provide the pilgrims coming to the said mela for the facility of light. This process was initiated to avoid any problem due to lack of light facility for the pilgrims. As in those years the aforesaid area was out of electrification and kerosene lamps were the only means of light in night, the said programe was inevitable. Unfortunately after long years of electrification of the said area and when there is no use of kerosene lamps during the said Chandrabhaga Mela, the government has not amended the decision in the changed scenario and has not stopped the supply of kerosene. It is most respectfully submitted that the government is spending lakhs of rupees for a purpose which is already outdated and no more desirable. It is an unreasonable spending of state funds for no reason. The continuation of the supply of the kerosene costing lakhs of rupees, is not only unnecessary burden over the state exchequer but is breeding corruption by some vested interests.
In the previous years the kerosene oil supplied for the aforesaid purpose is grossly misappropriated by some vested interest groups with the help of some people from the administration. As an instance of which it is stated that in the last year i.e. 2008 the concern dept. had supplied kerosene oil through the Sub Collector Puri in the name of pilgrims. The said kerosene oil, which may cost in lakhs, was supplied through the retailers and the said retailers were directed to open temporary fare price shops at different places surrounding Chandrabhaga. The retailers were directed to sale controlled kerosene @ of 500 ml. per head and to maintain accounts properly. But unfortunately kerosene supplied for the said purpose was misappropriated by the retailers and was not provided to the people. It came to lime light through RTI when one of the local activist found copies of the related distribution register which exposed the forged signatures and thumb impressions of the beneficiaries. Again some of the beneficiaries, who have not received any quantity of kerosene oil but their names have been forged in the sale register, have already identified. Hence it is crystal clear that the people's money sanctioned for an unnecessary purpose is being misappropriated by some vested interest groups for years together.
Some of the local citizens have also complained before different authorities but in vein. In response of this complaint Mr. Raj Kishore Mishra , State Advisor to the Commissionor's of the Supreme Court has written to Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, Commissioner cum Secretary,Food supplies and consumer welfare Department(GoO) for investigation and necessary action on 16th April,2008. But any action has not been taken yet. During Public Hearing by Justice D.P.Wadhwa at Bhubaneswar on 16th Nov,08 this matter was placed & Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, Commissioner cum Secretary,Food supplies and consumer welfare Department(GoO) has assured to take proper action within 24 hours.The related copies of distribution register was also submitted to Dr. Sharma & Justice D.P.Wadhwa that time.
Within the period more than 2 months passed ,but any action has been taken by Dr. Sharma or admn . Again the administration is in preparation for the next Magha Mela which will be held on coming 2nd February.
Once again RTI activist Rabindra Nath Nayak has asked through RTI Act that ;
Why Dr. Sharma is silent?
N.A.Shah Ansari
Young India
At/Po- Konark, Dt- Puri, Orissa,INDIA.752111