Del minister accuses his officer of disobeying LG order

Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain today accused Food Commissioner Mohanjeet Singh of "disobeying" Lt Governor's order and issuing direction for continuation of electronic point of scale (ePOS) system of ration distribution.

Lt Governor Anil Baijal on April 16 had directed for suspending ePOS after irregularities were found but the new food commissioner has issued order for continuing it, Hussain said in a press conference.

"The new food commissioner has questioned the LG's discretion by not obeying his order and saying ePOS will continue," Hussain said.

He said a letter dated April 20 by food commissioner, was received today by him through the chief secretary. The officer's letter said the ePOS would continue.

 

The minister further alleged that the food commissioner was also "bent upon" cancelling three lakh ration cards without proper verification.

Baijal on April 16 had suspended the e-PoS and ordered the Anti-Corruption Branch to investigate the alleged misuse of OTP authentication in delivery of ration.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Hussain had earlier asked him to scrap the e-PoS (electronic point of sale) system, under which beneficiaries were given ration after biometric identification.

Mohanjeet Singh was made new Food Commissioner replacing K R Meena who was transferred by LG. Meena was under fire from AAP dispensation over alleged irregularities in ration distribution.

Hussain said that the move to cancel three lakh ration cards was "against natural justice" since no notice was served or any survey done to verify the authenticity of the card holders.

"It may be an attempt to save the previous food commissioner," the minister alleged.

He attacked Singh saying that the move to cancel three lakh ration card was an "anarchic" decision.

"He is spreading anarchy. Decisions are being taken behind closed door. I had ordered for stopping cancellation of the ration cards but today he rejected it and directed for issuing new ration cards."

There should be an enquiry against those who were involved in preparing fake ration cards, he demanded.

The minister also charged Baijal of giving long rope to the officials, saying they should be restrained by the Lt Governor.