Open theft in distribution of ration, alleges Manish Sisodia

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia demanded the suspension of food and supplies commissioner on Friday after the government detected an "open theft" in the delivery of ration in the city. He also urged the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to approve the Aam Aadmi Party's scheme for doorstep delivery of ration and stop the existing e-PoS (Electronic Point of Sale) system.

During a press conference, Sisodia said that the e-POS system, which was implemented in the city from January 1, is allegedly leading to an "open theft" in the distribution of ration. "The preliminary enquiry into a sample of data indicates the provision of OTP has been 'misused' and that ration has been 'siphoned off' during the month of March on a number of cards which appear to be 'fake'. The One Time Password (OTP) provision is used to give ration in case the biometric identification of beneficiary fails under the e-POS system," he said.

In many cases, an OTP is sent to the mobile number of the beneficiary available with the food and civil supplies department. "On one particular mobile number, 499 card-holders were given ration. Based on OTPs sent on 11 mobile numbers, ration of around 1,550 households was distributed, which indicates open theft of ration," he said.

Urging Baijal to immediately scrap the e-POS system and suspend the food commissioner, Sisodia asked, "Why the Lt Governor is not suspending the officer despite the chief minister's request on several occasions?" During the Budget session of the Delhi Assembly, which concluded earlier this week, Kejriwal had also demanded the removal of food and supplies commissioner while flagging "discrepancies" in the distribution of ration.

PROBLEMS DUE TO ONLINE DISTRIBUTION

• Sisodia urged L-G Anil Baijal to approve AAP’s scheme for doorstep delivery of ration
   
• He also asked him to stop the Electronic Point of Sale (e-POS) of ration, which is leading to ‘open theft’