Rice Distribution: Govt gets tough on anomalies

The government took action against irregularities in the rice distribution scheme launched a little over a month ago for the ultra poor, including jail sentence, arrest and cancellation of dealerships of those responsible.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on September 7 inaugurated nationwide “Food-Friendly Programme for the Ultra Poor”, first of its kind, under which 50 lakh families are to receive rice at Tk 10 per kg during the lean periods.

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No one will be spared if found guilty of committing any illegal act in the process of distributing rice, the government said in a note of warning issued yesterday.

“We want to keep the programme beyond all controversy. No irregularities will be tolerated whatever the political identity [of those involved],” Food Minister Qamrul Islam told journalists at a press briefing at his secretariat office.

Special cards will be issued to the families who will receive 30 kg rice a month for five months -- March April, September, October and November -- every year, officials said.

Following the inauguration of the scheme, media reported on making of fake lists of recipients, selling of rice allocated for the programme in the black market, nepotism in issuing cards and distribution of less than 30kg to families.

Admitting the irregularities, the minister said, "We have noticed all sorts of irregularities. We are taking action and more action will follow whenever we get any allegation.

The programme is aimed at helping ultra poor people, he said, adding that no discrimination based on political affiliation would be allowed in rice distribution.

So far, at least three people have been given jail sentences and six arrested. Dealerships of 44 people have also been scrapped, nine fined and 11 cases filed in connection with various irregularities in the chain of distributing rice.

Eight committees headed by food ministry officials were formed to monitor the programme and a letter was sent to the deputy commissioners to take action against illegal acts, the minister said.

He urged all elected representatives at all tiers, irrespective of political affiliation, not to make the programme controversial.

Quamrul also thanked the media to bring the irregularities to the fore and sought cooperation to make the programme a success.

Asked about the sudden price hike of rice, he said the price would come down within a week.