Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Sanjay Kumar inspected the Public Distribution System (PDS) shop managed by the Rani Mahila Vikas Samiti in Lawahikala village, Dandai Block. This inspection was prompted by a formal written complaint from approximately 50 villagers, who alleged several irregularities, notably the insufficient distribution of food grains.  SDO inspection revealed several deficiencies at the Public Distribution System (PDS) outlet. There was a complete absence of essential signage, display boards, publicly available lists, or schedules. Moreover, the space was being utilized for operating a tent house business. Upon inquiry,  Shradha Devi, the shop operator and president of the womens self-help group, could not provide a register or the names of the group members. This lack of documentation further compromised the perceived transparency of the shops activities. Villagers had alleged that they were routinely given less than their entitled quota of rations. While a few individuals claimed to have received their full share, the majority told the SDO that they were regularly shortchanged. One beneficiary, Kitabuddin Ansari, stated that although his family consists of four members, they were receiving only 18 kg of food grains. Another, Sudama Saw, echoed the same complaint. Radhika Devi reported receiving only 17 kg of rice for her four-member household and said she often had to make three or four trips to the shop before receiving her ration. Ramsoorat Yadav, who has five family members, reported receiving only 22.5 kg instead of the entitled 25 kg. Several other beneficiaries shared similar grievances. In light of these findings, the SDO issued a stern warning to the dealer, instructing them to provide full and timely distribution of rations. He also appealed to all PDS dealers within the subdivision to ensure that entitled beneficiaries receive their complete share of food grains regularly and without delay. The SDO emphasized that cases of ration pilferage and short-weighing at PDS shops are being taken very seriously. Tampering with citizens rations is not just unethical but a criminal offense and will not be tolerated under any circumstances, he stated. A large number of locals were present during the inspection. SDO Sanjay Kumar confirmed that a detailed report on the investigation is being sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Garhwa for further action.

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