The flaws include less distribution of food grains than specified by government, supply of low quality grains and wheat flour, non-availability of sugar and opening of distribution store only once a week.
A survey under the drive ‘Ann Adhikar’ (Right to Grain) carried out by Shakti Trust in Songadh has detected more than 500 flaws in the food distribution system. The flaws include less distribution of food grains than specified by government, supply of low quality grains and wheat flour, non-availability of sugar and opening of distribution store only once a week.
Commenting on the conditions in some of these villages, Chana Vaswa, one of the surveyors, said, “The situation is worse in tribal villages that are far-off from district/taluka headquarters.
“Hardly any officials visit these villages even once a month to take a stock of the situation. In majority of these cases, concerned officials confess of being unaware of problems of the village. Illiteracy among villagers sometimes worsens the situation.”
The survey is being undertaken to ensure better availability of food grains to tribals and to ascertain their current food consumption.
This initiative was started by self-help groups of south Gujarat region. Post-survey, local administration was made aware of the loopholes.
Members of Shakti trust travel in all villages of eight tribal dominated talukas' of the region - Uchhal, Nizar, Songadh, Vyara (Tapi), Mandvi, Mangrol, Umarpada (Surat) and Vansda (Navsari). During the survey, they visit every house and inform about government schemes for them. They also collect information regarding whether families receive food grains as per government schemes or not.
"Every member covers five villages and collects all available information. Survey also includes as to whether mid-day meal is provided at Anganwadis, Balwadis and schools and pensions are provided to widows and elderly. After collecting information, we meet concerned officials along with villagers and submit memorandum to them," Navin Chaudhry, a member of Shakti Trust, said.
Chaudhry added that within two years of starting Aan Adhikar project, more than 36000 families in 240 villages of eight talukas has been covered. Survey goes on after a span of every four months to review the situation.
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