MLA exposes irregularities in Indira Canteens

• Huge differences in supply of meals
• Discrepancies in records

Mysore/Mysuru: Krishnaraja (KR) MLA S.A. Ramdas has alleged irregularities in free distribution of food to COVID-19 pandemic hit citizens at Indira Canteens by fudging number of beneficiaries. The State Government had announced free meals for everyone at all Indira Canteens across the State in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Following complaints, the MLA visited several Canteens situated in the premises of CADA office opposite Mysore Palace, K.R. Hospital, Jodi Thenginamara Road in Bannimantap, Kumbarakoppal, Sharadadevinagar, Silk Factory, Sewage Farm, Alanahalli, opposite Rural Bus Stand, Triveni Circle and Azeez Sait Nagar, yesterday, He also inspected the kitchen and storeroom.

Later, he told reporters that the food items were supplied to all 11 Canteens from a centralised kitchen. There was a lot of difference in the food distributed and in accounts book. Upon questioning this difference, the Canteen Managers replied that food is served at 11.30 am and 2 pm. But the supervisors say food is supplied only in afternoon. Besides, records say that daily 160 kg rice is supplied two times in a day but the actual supply has been just 46 kg. That means, there has been irregularities in the supply of 114 kg cooked rice which was enough to feed 400 persons. All these indicate gross irregularities in the distribution of food to COVID-affected people.

Ramdas said, according to records, 520 persons eat free food at CADA Office Indira Canteen during morning and afternoon, and 200 people consume food during night. It was mandatory to follow token system but none of the Canteen follows it. CCTV cameras were not functioning. Rice was over after serving 137 people. On record, 520 meals are sent to each Indira Canteen, but hardly 120-130 people get food. The quality of food articles is very bad. The refrigerator was not functioning because of which the vegetables rot inside. 

According to menu, vegetable sambar was supposed to be given. But only pumpkin and tomatoes are used in sambar. Low quality edible oil is used for cooking. The rice was of very low quality. The poor and destitute were eating whatever food was distributed in Indira Canteens since they cannot afford to buy it outside. “I will write a detailed letter to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Commissioner of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) regarding the alleged irregularities in Indira Canteens and to order a probe to punish the guilty.”

Only one glass for all

Indira Canteens are not following the Government guidelines despite surge in Corona positive cases. Only one glass is kept for everyone to drink water. Chances of spreading infection are more”.—S.A. Ramdas, MLA