Kerala Vigilance inspects ration shops for corruption

The drive targeted 14 NFSA godowns and 54 ration shops under the state Civil Supplies Corporation, acting on the direction of Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham. The action was prompted by reports of large-scale irregularities in the distribution of food grains, including diversion to the black market, manipulation of stock records, and illegal sales, allegedly with the connivance of ration dealers, godown officials, employees, and contractors.

Further complaints received by the agency involved fraudulent billing, misuse of OTP-based authentication systems, and misappropriation of food grains intended for beneficiaries. Significant discrepancies were also reported between actual stock and recorded inventory at NFSA godowns, with allegations of food grains being diverted before reaching ration outlets.

These inspections are being conducted under 'Project Zero', a vigilance initiative designed to ensure corruption-free public service delivery and enhance proactive anti-corruption measures across government departments.