Two Officials Suspended Over Ration Irregularities in Kerala’s Tribal Panchayat

The Civil Supplies Department in Kerala has suspended two officials following the detection of serious irregularities in the public distribution system in Edamalakudy, the state’s only tribal panchayat.

The suspended officials include the Devikulam Taluk Supply Officer and a former rationing inspector, both of whom will remain under suspension pending an official inquiry. The action comes after a vigilance special squad reported significant lapses in the distribution of essential food grains.

The issue first came to light after complaints from beneficiaries regarding disruption in ration supplies in the remote panchayat, located about 30 km from Munnar. A subsequent inspection by the Kerala State Food Commission, led by its chairperson Ginu Zacharia Oommen, revealed serious discrepancies.

During the inspection, officials visited ration outlets operated by the Girijan Service Cooperative Society and interacted with residents across multiple hamlets . A preliminary probe by the department had earlier found a shortage of nearly 65 metric tonnes of food grains, prompting the district administration to order a detailed investigation.

The Commission held the licensee of the ration shops, who also serves as the secretary of the cooperative society, primarily responsible for the lapses. It also pointed to negligence on the part of several Civil Supplies officials, including those tasked with oversight at the taluk and district levels.

Edamalakudy is predominantly inhabited by members of the Muthuvan community, who depend heavily on the public distribution system for their daily food requirements. Authorities have assured that corrective measures will be taken to restore regular supply and ensure accountability.