Jharkhand: Expired salt meant for poor found dumped in Seraikela warehouse
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 31: A fresh controversy has erupted in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district after a large quantity of expired iodised salt,…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 31: A fresh controversy has erupted in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district after a large quantity of expired iodised salt, procured for distribution under the state government’s Mukhyamantri Namak Vitran Yojana (Chief Minister Salt Distribution Scheme), was found dumped inside a government warehouse instead of reaching eligible beneficiaries.
According to preliminary information, the stock had been earmarked for distribution among economically weaker families under the welfare scheme, which provides subsidised iodised salt to ration card holders across the state.
However, before it could be distributed, the salt packets reportedly crossed their expiry date, rendering them unfit for human consumption.
Questions Over Distribution and Inventory Management
The expired stock was subsequently discarded and dumped inside the warehouse, raising serious questions over inventory management, storage practices and the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The incident has also triggered concerns over possible wastage of public funds and administrative lapses in ensuring the timely distribution of essential commodities meant for vulnerable sections of society.
Inquiry to Fix Responsibility
Officials are expected to ascertain the quantity of expired salt, the reasons behind the delay in distribution and whether administrative negligence resulted in the stock becoming unusable.
The findings of the inquiry are likely to determine accountability and recommend corrective measures to prevent such lapses in the future.
A district Food and Civil Supplies Department official said the matter had been brought to the notice of the competent authorities and a detailed investigation would be carried out.
“The entire episode will be examined to determine how the stock remained undistributed until its expiry. Appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible, and measures will be initiated to ensure such lapses are not repeated,” the official said.
Fresh Questions Over Welfare Scheme Implementation
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of efficient supply-chain management, proper inventory monitoring and timely distribution under welfare schemes, particularly those aimed at providing essential food commodities to economically weaker families.
Officials said further action would be taken after the inquiry establishes the circumstances under which the stock remained undistributed and eventually expired.
