BJP slams Odisha government over irregularities in NFSA

The Odisha unit of the BJP on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the state government over massive irregularities in distribution of ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to people of the state.

Newly appointed state BJP president Basant Panda demanded that the government should completely abandon this flawed beneficiary list where all ruling Biju Janata Dal workers have taken advantage from the Act.

He said it should prepare a fresh list where not a single eligible beneficiary family should be left out.

"The party has decided to launch mass protests across the state till the time all eligible beneficiaries are given ration cards under NFSA and proper management of the whole process of distribution is ensured," said Panda, holding his first press conference after assuming charge as state BJP president.

He said the state government missed the deadline of NFSA implementation and took additional time till 2015.

Even after taking additional time, it is now found out that eligible beneficiaries have been left out and party members of BJD have illegally got the ration cards issued in their own names.

"MLAs (legislators), mayors and Zilla Parishad office bearers have all availed cards in their names fraudulently," he accused.

He also said no action has been initiated against the offenders and demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in this fraud.

Panda also slammed the state government for hijacking the cheap rice scheme while the Centre is providing a substantial portion of funding for implementation of the scheme.

"The Centre is contributing Rs.27.38 out of the total subsidy of Rs.30.38 under the scheme. But the state government is taking credit for the scheme without any significant contribution. It should come out with the details over the scheme," the state BJP president demanded.

Reacting to the allegations, state Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister Sanjay Dasburma said the Centre has praised the state government for proper implementation of NFSA.

He said the allegations of the BJP are baseless.