Chhattisgarh tribal families a victim of rampant corruption of salt

During State Assembly elections for the Chhattisgarh Assembly, Bharatiya Janata Party came to power promising salt for poor tribals at cheaper rates. Little did anyone think it will turn out to be a bonanza for local black marketeers.

By Ajay Sharma

Raipur, June 22 : During State Assembly elections for the Chhattisgarh Assembly, Bharatiya Janata Party came to power promising salt for poor tribals at cheaper rates. Little did anyone think it will turn out to be a bonanza for local black marketeers.

Amrit Namak Yojna, a State sponsored public distribution scheme, was supposed to arrange salt for the poorest of the poor at 25 paisa a kilo. But today it is the stockists who are reaping the benefit.

Launched on January 26 (2004), under Amrit Namak Yojna, the salt was to reach the 'have-nots' and others in the tribal areas.

Many individuals are today selling it at double the price fixed by the State government. The locals believe that such corruption is not possible without tacit official patronage.

Devlal, a consumer, said: "We used to get four kilograms of salt for one rupee earlier but now we get four packets for two Rupees. We are not aware of this hike in price."

With no alternative, the poor household women have got used to the prices.

Bajarai, a housewife, said: "I have bought 35 kilograms of rice. As far as salt is concerned earlier it was available for mere 25 Paisa but there is no such scheme at present."

The State government is aware of the corrupt practices, but has not been able to stop it.

Nanki Ram Kanwar, Minister of Public Distribution Scheme in Chhattisgarh, said: "Salt is available for 25 paisa. We do receive complains about the illegal price hike but this occurs due to lack of awareness among the people. We are taking action against it but the problem is only in some parts of Chhattisgarh."

Kanwar blamed consumers for their lack of awareness and nothing about the remedial measures on the part of the State.

On their part, the co-operative societies assigned to distribute these essential items feign ignorance despite the accusations.

Premlal Thakre, a local co-operative society official, said: "This society has been in existence for the last one and a half years. There is no electricity in this area and this is the reason why locals go for kerosene. Hoarding and black marketing of items don't happen in our society."

ANI