Massive Ration Supply Scam Unearthed in Madhya Pradesh

Massive Ration Supply Scam Unearthed in Madhya Pradesh

In a shocking revelation, a significant scam involving the transportation of ration meant for children and women under the Supplementary Nutrition Program has surfaced in Madhya Pradesh. The alleged scam, worth approximately ₹3 crores, was uncovered in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report presented in the state assembly.

The investigation found that vehicles listed as delivering ration to beneficiaries turned out to be motorcycles, cars, auto-rickshaws, tractors, and tankers when cross-verified on the transport portal. These irregularities point toward potential collusion between suppliers and project officials.

Intended Beneficiaries and the Program

The ration was meant for children aged six months to three years, pregnant and lactating women, and out-of-school adolescent girls aged 11 to 14. Under the Take Home Ration (THR) initiative, food supplies were to be delivered to designated locations. However, the audit revealed widespread discrepancies in records and actual supplies.

Key Findings by CAG

Fake Vehicle Registrations:
Vehicles claimed to have transported 467 tons of ration worth ₹2.96 crores were found to be registered as two-wheelers, cars, and other non-transport vehicles.

Unaccounted Supplies:
Records showed that 404 tons of ration worth ₹2.5 crores were supplied through vehicles not registered on the official portal.

No Stock but Reported Supply:
Between 2018 and 2021, 773 tons of ration were falsely claimed as supplied through 277 challans, even though no stock was available at the manufacturing plants in key districts like Dhar, Mandla, and Sagar.

Unjust Gains:
Suppliers reportedly gained ₹35.74 lakhs by exploiting the difference between minimum support price (MSP) and subsidized rates for wheat and rice.

Government Response and Recommendations

The Women and Child Development Department termed these errors as clerical mistakes. However, they failed to provide supporting documents like gate passes and weighbridge receipts, which the CAG dismissed.

The report recommended initiating vigilance inquiries and fixing accountability on the responsible officials. It also flagged the need for robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent such fraud in the future.

Employment Concerns

The program was initially designed to involve women self-help groups in manufacturing the ration at seven plants, providing employment opportunities. However, the operational management was handed over to external agencies, undermining the primary objective.

Conclusion

This scam highlights systemic lapses in governance and oversight, emphasizing the need for stricter audits and transparency in welfare schemes. It raises serious questions about the distribution mechanisms and the accountability of those in charge.