A serious question again shakes public faith: are government rice and government schemes meant for the poor really safe? Or are they being looted right under the government’s nose? On Wednesday night, a fair price shop at Chatia in Biswanath district was sealed by the district administration after huge quantities of government-supplied rice and essential items were allegedly stored illegally inside the shop.
The shop belonged to agent Ashok Sahu of the old Chatia centre. Officials said that government food grains, which were meant to reach the poorest households under the Public Distribution System (PDS) were instead being hoarded. The raid was led by Assistant Commissioner Pushpankar Patir and Supply Inspector Nava Bora.
During the physical verification of the shop, the officials found a large quantity of government-supplied food items stored inside without proper record. The team seized 20 quintals 36 kg 430 grams of rice, along with 5 kg of sugar, 13 kg of pulses, and 13 kg of salt, raising suspicion about diversion and illegal hoarding of essential commodities meant for the public. 
These items were meant to be distributed to ration beneficiaries. But instead, they were stored inside the shop without proper records.
Assistant Commissioner Pushpankar Patir said the administration team visited Chatia for inspection. “When we checked the physical stock in Ashok Sahu’s shop, the rice stock balance did not match the official records. The quantity was huge and suspicious,” he said.
Assistant Director of Food and Civil Supplies, Bhupen Baishya, who was also part of the operation, confirmed that irregularities were detected. “We went for a routine check. In Ashok Sahu’s shop, we noticed a mismatch. The PDS rice stock was not matching. Civil Supplies records showed around 65 kg should have been in the shop after distribution, but that was not the case,” Baishya said.
Following the inspection, the supply department lodged an FIR at the Chatiya police station. Police later arrested the fair price shop agent.
But the arrest raises far deeper questions. This is not the first time government rations have been diverted or hoarded. Such incidents continue despite claims of transparency and reforms. Poor families depend on PDS for food security. When officials and agents misuse the system, the weakest pay the price.
The government has repeatedly promised strict monitoring of fair price shops. Yet, such large quantities of rice go missing from distribution channels. How long will authorities wait? Who will protect the rights of ration card holders?
