SI suspended for irregularities in noon meal rice supply

District administration has put Sub-Inspector (SI) of schools Bhagirathi Naik under suspension and lodged an FIR against him for his involvement in massive irregularities in supply of rice for mid-day meal scheme on Saturday. Though irregularities were detected two weeks ago,  the administration  took action  on Saturday. Bhagirathi was the nodal officer of the scheme in Hindol education circle under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA).

According to official sources, Bhagirathi had lifted nine truckloads of rice under MDM  from Food Corporation of India (FCI) between February 26 and March 6. Each bag contained 50 kgs of rice .

Though the FCI register mentions that nine trucks had been despatched, the MDM register at Hindol stated to have received seven truckloads of rice. Thus, two truckloads of rice consisting of 306 bags worth about ` six lakhs went missing. The discrepancy was detected by transport contractor during a review. As necessary amount of rice did not reach some schools, the MDM scheme was affected leading the members of panchyatiraj institutions to complain before the administration.

Though the administration started inquiry from Friday, it has failed to trace the missing rice and the persons involved in the irregularities. Bhagirathi refuted the allegation and said some higher officials including transport contractor were involved in the bungling.

Meanwhile, District Inspector of Schools and MDM Nodal Officer Alekh Chandra Patra said bungling of 306 bags have been detected. An FIR has been lodged against Bhagirathi and suspension order issued against him.

Collector Bishnu Prasad Panda told this paper that he had directed SP to take stringent action against the persons involved in the incident. Disciplinary action has already been taken against the officer responsible and further investigation is on.

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