Bhopal: The government may tighten its noose around former food commissioner and present inspector general of registration Deepali Rastogi for not allowing ration distribution under the food coupon scheme, one of the ambitious initiatives of the state. Sources said Rastogi intentionally kept the matter under wrap for long time and consequently, the scheme has lost its sheen.
As she got the food coupon scheme agreement signed, she has put herself under scanner by raising question on the validity of the accord. The agreement for food coupon scheme was signed on July 28, 2011.
The implementation of this scheme was stalled after distribution of new ration cards in four districts. The implementation of the scheme could have dealt a severe blow to the food mafia in the state. While Rastogi was one of the signatories in the agreement, she herself raised objection to the agreement in June 2012. The company, with which the pact was inked, was also given two notices in this connection.
Payment to the tune of Rs 4 crore was also made for the work of food coupon. Rastogi got fund of Rs 25 crore sanctioned by the chief secretary for food coupon work on March 6, but she raised question on the agreement and the payment was not made. A three- member committee, comprising IAS officers, has submitted a report following a probe into the matter. However, attempts are being made to save Rastogi.
Sources further said initially, under the food coupon scheme work, around two lakh fake ration cards were seized and it was found that the food mafia is taking undue advantage of the scheme. Ultimately, scheme was put in the sack. When Free Press tried to know more from Deepali Rastogi about the scheme, she refused to comment saying that at present she is not working with department concerned. Hence, she cannot make any comments on the issue.
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