Ration Shop at Vakola accused of alleged irregularities

As for the Public Distribution System (PDS), the main problem is the diversion of food grains and other commodities by `ration shop’ owners to the open market, where they fetch much higher prices. This severely depleted the stocks available for poorer people, who should have been able to purchase food

and other essentials (like kerosene) at government-determined subsidised prices through the ration shops. There are allegations that ration shop owners purchase these goods at the official, subsidised price. But in practice, bogus names (or inflated quantities for genuine names) are listed in sale registers to make up for the amounts illegally diverted by shop-owners to the open market. It is also that ration shopkeepers send customers away on the pretext saying that there is no wheat, rice, sugar or kerosene but instead sell these items in black.

About ten days ago, Yogesh Damodar Morajkar an NCP worker and member Rashtravadi Grahak Saurakshan Samiti, Bandra Taluka approached the shop owner of Ration shop No 23 D/152 with several complaints received from customers saying that they are not being allotted their ration quota or if demanded are used filthy language. Since Yogesh was not given a positive response but instead was alleged of extortion he approached Santacruz Patrika who took up the matter with the ration shop owner.

While confirming with Santacruz Patrika, the shop owner clarified and said, “My books are transparent and I have been allotting ration to ration card holders according to the availability of stock. I have not been receiving my full quota of supplies and it becomes extremely difficult to distribute ration to the 1,500 card holders. Despite several reminders and payment the supplies from government have not been coming on time.” “If I do not have the stock from where do you expect me to supply ration to the card holders”, exclaimed Kantilal. Further, he clarified that the wheat which we are receiving are of extremely sub-standard quality and no one is ready to buy the wheat.” We are left with huge quantities of unsold wheat,” admitted the shop owner.

However, Yogesh along with 150 women approached the ration shop to sort out their grievances and complaints. Yogesh was accompanied by Shankar Kishan Deshmukh, President, Rashtravadi Grahak Saurakshan Samiti, Mumbai North Central and Archana Pale, Rationing Kruti Samiti who took up the matter with the ration shop in regards to irregularities and alleged misappropriation in ration supplies to customers. Later, the following day they along with the shop owner approached the Ration Officer to sort out the complaints and ensure regular and full supply of ration goods. The Ration Officer assured the shop owner of regular and full supply of ration goods. Similarly, Shankar Deshmukh and Archana Pale too assured prompt action in the matter.

However, while clarifying with K.A.Bastivala, NCP District President on the issue he told Santacruz Patrika, “I had received a call from the corporator stating that the shop owner is being pressurized by NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti. Hence, I objected as the Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been dissolved. But while questioning Deshmukh as to when the NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been dissolved, how come they represent the cell. To this Deshmukh clarified and said, “After receiving a complaint from Yogesh that many people are deprived of their subsidized ration quota, as a loyal NCP worker I took up the issue in public interest. As a NCP worker my first responsibility is towards public welfare irrespective of posts or cells.” “As far as my knowledge the NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been kept in abeyance and not dissolved,” remarked Deshmukh.

While, Santacruz Patrika questioned Yogesh Morajkar on being alleged to pressurizing the ration shop owner, he clarified and said, “Since I am a NCP worker I have been fighting for customer’s rights which did not go well with many. Hence the allegations have been leveled against me.” Further substantiating he said, “Last week my mother went to procure ration from this shop and was allotted sugar and dal vide receipt No 001131 dt 27/10, while on the ration card allotment of rice too was ticked as allotted. This is illegal and I objected.” While confirming with the shop owner he admitted that the tick on the ration card had been cancelled and the allegations are baseless. For rice we have a separate receipt book and on the receipt No 001131 as highlighted we cannot issue rice.”

Further, there were allegations that Palmolein Oil, Tur dal and other goods were sold at higher prices than the stipulated subsidised rates.  However, the shop owner refuted all charges and termed them as maligned and baseless.