Allegations of corruption have surfaced in the Civil Supplies Department in Gadwal, hindering the proper allocation and recovery of CMR rice. It is reported that unauthorized distribution of government rice to ineligible recipients has led to the misappropriation of rice valued at around Rs 20 crores.
A recent case implicated a high-ranking district-level officer and a network of police officials in a corruption scandal. Criminal cases have been filed against a department officer and two other staff members, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
There are also claims of widespread irregularities in the distribution of grain collected by the government during the Yasangi season. These allegations suggest that corruption is prevalent within the department, impacting the fair distribution of essential supplies.
During the 2023-24 Yasangi season, the district gathered 3,000 metric tonnes of grain, along with an additional 15,000 metric tonnes from Wanaparthy and Medak districts. This total of 18,000 metric tonnes was assigned to seven rice mills in the region.
However, some of these rice mills had previously failed to deliver rice to the government on time, resulting in fines and being labeled as defaulters. Despite this, a rice mill in KT Doddi Mandal, which had outstanding fines, was still given grain, allegedly with the help of a key official in the Civil Supplies Department.
The Rs 20 crore grain scandal involves the allocation of 19,000 metric tonnes of grain collected during the 2021-22 Yasangi season to 55 rice mills. Serious allegations have been made against a retired key official in the Civil Supplies Department, suggesting collusion with rice millers in corrupt practices.
This scandal has sparked outrage statewide, with suspicions that high-ranking officials may be involved, potentially shielding themselves from consequences. Despite the substantial amount of missing grain, no funds have been recovered in the three years since the incident, raising concerns about accountability and enforcement.
