Dal Scam during COVID Lockdown in Odisha and Public Action of OSAA

Dal Scam during COVID Lockdown in Odisha and Public Action of OSAA

During COVID Lockdown, the Central Govt. sanctioned 2.76 lakh quintal Dal to Odisha under Pradhan Mantri Garibi Kalyan Yojana in order to provide 92 lakh Ration Card holders for three Months from April to June, 20 @ 3 kg dal per head. On11.4.20, the Govt. of Odisha issued circular to all Collectors to distribute Dal among  the beneficiaries immediately within 28th April, 20.  Finding non-distribution of Dal and apprehending conspiracy to loot Dal by officials and Dealers, Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan ( OSAA)  gave  a call  for state-wide protest by holding Dharana in front of Block office and filling FIR against Dealers and officials. Media made a wide coverage of our programme. Due to our protests, Many of our RTI Activists were beaten up   and false FIR was lodged against them to  harrass them. After  this protest Dharana,  Dal was seen distributed in large number of Gram Panchayats  in the State.  

Below is the  glimpses of our Public Action

FIR filed in Dasapalla Police Station by Kunja Bihari Patra, RTI Activist

FIR filed in Bijepur Police Station, Baragarh by Sushant Gartia, RTI Activist

Multi-Core Kerosene Scam in Odisha and Public Action of OSAA

During  COVID  Lockdown, the BJD leaders, Officials of Civil Supply Dept. and Dealers left no stone upturned  to exploit the poor Ration Card holders by selling PDS kerosene at higher price starting from Rs. 20.00 to Rs. 55.00 against Govt. fixed price Rs. 15.00. Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan took up this issue and gave  a call for state-wise Dharana   in front of Block office and lodging FIR against Dealer and marketing Inspectors  demanding legal action  against  them, take steps  for return of the  extra amount taken  from the people and ensure  distribution of kerosene at fixed price. After this campaign, the Dealers  have returned  the excess price  that  was  collected  from the beneficiaries. Still it is going on.