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Gross irregularities detected in Bihar PDS scheme

The limited inquiry has been conducted in 30 panchayats

PATNA: After the multi-crore rupee fodder scam, lakhs of tonnes of foodgrains meant for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Bihar were swindled and sold in the open market between 1997 and 2002 when the RJD was in power, a probe report has revealed.

A probe conducted by the Investigation Bureau of the Cabinet (Vigilance) Department which submitted its report to the Government on June 3, 2005 has revealed large-scale corruption and gross irregularities in distribution of foodgrains to both the rural and urban poor.

FCI godowns

The limited inquiry was conducted in 30 panchayats in West Champaran, Munger, Madhubani and Nalanda districts.

The vigilance report revealed that hundreds of tonnes of foodgrains were transported from FCI godowns to the State food corporation godowns and from there to the PDS outlets on mopeds and motorcycles.

In one of the many examples of irregularities, according to the report, in the year 1999, officially it had been shown that 134.84 quintals of foodgrains were transported by motorcycle no. BR-06d-3431-G while 101 quintals of foodgrains were delivered from a FCI godown on a moped.

Beneficiaries

Large number of beneficiaries possessed several bighas of land, tractors and pucca houses and many of them had even died years ago, the report said. - PTI

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Gross irregularities detected in Bihar PDS scheme

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