It is about a year since Mr U.T. Khader took charge as Food and Civil Supplies Minister. Continuing the work started by his predecessors in identifying and removing fake ration cards, Mr Khader has taken the online route to make card distribution easy. If some of his steps have been appreciated, some others, like the distribution of BPL cards without verification, have drawn flak. The recent death of IAS officer Anurag Tiwari, who was serving as the commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies Department, has raised questions about possible scams in the food department. While Mr Khader agrees that the food and civil supplies is a vast department, he does not believe that it is a breeding ground of scams. He defends his department, saying he will hold internal inquiries if anyone gives him details about these “scams”.
Let us start with Anurag Tiwari’s death. There are two issues: One is the death and the other is the scam. You have already said that there is no scam. But anyone who knows how the department works can easily allege that the scams are covered up.
There is no scam or misappropriation in the department. We have taken all steps to ensure transparency. I too have heard through the media that there are some people who have alleged scams in the department. But they should explain what the specific scam they are talking about. As far as I know, there is no scam in the department in the last one year. Instead, we have saved crores of rupees by deleting bogus ration cards, using Aadhaar and dismantling the kerosene mafia despite pressure. Pilferage has been stopped by introducing biometrics and Aadhaar. There was no scam during the tenure of my predecessor too. The only one was when Shobha Karndlaje was the minister and the Lokayukta has booked a suo motu case. Anurag Tiwari took charge on January 14 and worked for 38 days. Neither during our personal meetings, nor over our telephone conversations did he ever tell me anything about any scam. He did not give it in writing too.
Looking at attacks on officers in the state in recent days, he might not have discussed the scam with anyone...
Hands of an IAS officer cannot be tied. If he had found any scam or misappropriation, he may not tell me, he could inform the department secretary or write to the Lokayukta, Chief Secretary or Governor. His relatives have said that Tiwari told them about a case which was a challenge. If they were concerned, they could have brought to the notice of us or the UP police.
The interesting fact is that so many days have passed, but neither you nor the chief minister ordered an internal inquiry. It is strange and gives rise to a lot of suspicion. It could also mean that you are not ready to check any scams in your department.
There is already a CBI inquiry ordered by the UP government, based on a complaint filed by Tiwari’s family. We too seek justice from the UP government as Tiwari was our officer. Coming to internal inquiry, let somebody give us in writing about the scam or misappropriation with details and we will take up an inquiry. Just vague allegations won’t do. They should give us specific details of the scam or case.
Those who were siphoning off foodgrains might have indulged in scams that were brushed under the carpet. Mr Tiwari might have tried to stop them.
We have real time data. The Food Corporation of India supplies directly to districts. We later supply it at the taluk level and from there to the shops. Earlier, there was pilferage because of bogus cards. But we have started the coupon system and biometrics to stop bogus cards. We get food from the FCI and we pay. How can there be scam? There is no misappropriation. When the BJP was in power, during elections, they had a system of distributing BPL cards to anyone who submits an affidavit. This was misused by many shops where owners submitted false affidavits and took bogus cards. But with our biometric system and Aadhaar, it has been stopped.
You speak about what the BJP did during elections. But what about this government’s new policy in the election year where anybody who applies for BPL cards will get one? You had said that cards would be cancelled if inquiry (that would be held within a year) finds ineligible consumers. Do you really think there will be a proper inquiry?
It is true that we brought new rules for BPL card distribution. This is to ensure that the real poor are not harassed. Incidents of rich applying for BPL cards are very less. There could hardly be 10 per cent, where APL families apply for BPL cards. But to stop them, we cannot harass the poor. Once a person applies for a BPL card, the village accountant certifies if the person is really poor. If the card is given to someone who is not eligible, the inquiry by our officials will reveal such instances. The BJP’s move had led to bogus cards. But as we have linked Aadhaar, there is no possibility of bogus cards. Some who are not eligible may try to get BPL cards, but they too will be removed during our inquiry.
BPL cards will help people get facilities from other departments. Do you think officials will conduct a proper inquiry? What if they heed to pressure from the ruling party or politicians?
The inquiry will be conducted thoroughly. We have also declared prize money for those who give us information about illegal BPL cards. We also take it in writing from BPL cardholders that the government could take action against them if they are found ineligible.
You said you have not seen the report by Jayadeva institute which conducted a survey on malnutrition among Anna Bhagya beneficiaries. It’s a government agency. Why would they have any grudge?
I spoke to Jayadeva chief Mr Manjunath, but he said there is no such report. But speaking about Annabhagya, we provide good food to children. Healthy food is our responsibility. Now to balance the diet, we have started giving protein with carbohydrates, like tur dal and rice. We stopped palm oil as there were complaints that it was not good for health. After Annabhagya, children are healthier and malnutrition has decreased.
You said you distribute what is provided by FCI. But if fair price shops collude with the department, they can easily divert foodgrains to private markets. As a result, Annabhagya beneficiaries are bearing the brunt now.
Food Corporation of India provides good quality foodgrains. General rice is of one quality with some difference in smell and colour. There is no question of replacing our foodgrains with inferior quality grains. The government has given a strict order that inferior quality rice should not be provided. If any such cases are found, action will be initiated against the godown manager. If fairprice shops take such substandard rice and try to sell, then the government cancels their license.
What if your successor finds some scam or misappropriation during your term?
I am ready for any punishment. I assure you that I will quit politics if there is any scam or misappropriation found during my term. Indulging in a scam will mean cheating my family, my voters and my party which I would never do.
The government has completed four years. Are people happy?
Yes. We have launched various schemes, like Annabhagya, Ksheerabhagya, skilltraining and others. Prosperity of individuals is very important. People are hunger free and are living with dignity. Infrastructure is also being given importance.
You say there is prosperity in the state then how come there are 1.25 crore families with BPL cards in the state? This means of the 6 crore population, about 4 crore are below poverty line. The number of BPL card is increasing, then where is the prosperity?
Prosperity does not mean money. It is peaceful living of society. The state government has ensured that people live with dignity without begging from others.
