SVC summons JD over bogus ration cards case

A senior official of the Jammu and Kashmir government was today summoned by the State Vigilance Commission (SVC)in connection with issuing of bogus ration cards in Kathua district.
"The commission has sought the personal appearance ofthe Joint Director (Administration) for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs on October 5 to report on the issue of 177 bogus and duplicate ration cards, lodging of police complaint and the cost to recover extra ration," a SVC official said.
In December 2014, Sanjeev Gupta, sarpanch of Chhan Rorian village in Kathua, lodged a complaint accusing the then assistant director (AD) and tehsil supply officer (TSO) of Kathua of issuing bogus ration cards and shifting two ration depots without authorisation, the officer said.

He added the SVC taking on the spot cognisance had directed the Kathua deputy commissioner (DC) to conduct an inquiry. The DC confirmed the issue of177 bogus and duplicate ration cards.
On the commission's directions, deputy director (supplies)
established charges of misuse of office against the TSO for supply of bogus and duplicate ration cards, unauthorised shifting of depots, and loss to state exchequer.
He said on May 6 in furtherance of the inquiry, the TSO was inflicted with one year stoppage ofannual pay increment and the AD was directed to recover extra cost of rations.