RTI reveals huge kerosene scam

Queries under Right to Information (RTI) Act have unearthed a scam in Maghamela - a festival which is observed by lakhs in the Oriya month of Magha at Chandrabhaga beach near Sun Temple at Konark every year. This year Maghamela will be observed on February 2.

Reports said Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare through the sub-collector, Puri, has been supplying kerosene to pilgrims during Maghamela. The decision to supply kerosene was taken as there were no lighting facilities in the area and kerosene lamps were used by the devotees. However, after long years of electrification of the area, the government has not amended the decision and is still supplying kerosene. In short, the Government is spending lakhs of rupees for a purpose which is no more desirable. The continuation of the scheme is not only an unnecessary burden on the State exchequer but also breeding corruption.

In previous years, the kerosene supplied is found to be grossly misappropriated by some vested interests.  Last year the department had also supplied kerosene through retailers who were directed to open temporary fare price shops at different places in and around Chandrabhaga. The retailers were directed to sell 500 ml of kerosene per head and maintain accounts properly. But queries by a local activist under RTI Act revealed that the kerosene supplied was not provided to people instead it was misappropriated by the retailers. Copies of the distribution register exposed forged signatures and thumb impressions of the beneficiaries.

In response to a complaint, Raj Kishore Mishra, State Advisor to the Commissioners of Supreme Court, had written to Raj Kumar Sharma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, for investigation and necessary action on April 16 last year. But no action has not been taken yet. Also, during public hearing by Justice D.P.Wadhwa in Bhubaneswar on November 16 last year the matter was placed and Sharma had assured then to take proper action within 24 hours. However, more than two months have passed, but no action is yet to be taken.

Apart from that complaints regarding drinking water supply, sanitation facility, distribution of PDS materials, exorbitant bus fare, unhygienic beach and holy pond are regularly received each year.