- (1.) This PIL has been filed by the petitioners claiming the reliefs as under: (i) The respondents may kindly be directed to ensure food grains supply at village Metharia, Phoolasar, Girajsar, Girandi, Bajju, Ranjitpura, District Bikaner in true spirit of the Act of 2013. (ii) That the respondents may kindly be directed to initiate an inquiry in regard to embezzlement of food grains at aforesaid places and further action may be taken against the government authorities as well as fair price of dealers. (iii) That the respondents authorities may kindly be directed to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the local responsible authorities of the respondent department including the District Supply Officer Bikaner. (iv) Any other relief to which the petitioner is entitled, may be granted in his favour. (v) The writ petition may be allowed with costs.
(2.) Precisely, the grievance raised by the petitioners is that villages Metharia, Phoolsar, Girajsar, Girandi, Bajju, Ranjitpura of Tehsil Kolayat, District Bikaner, the consumers, ration card holders are being provided food grains at the fair price in violation of the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013. The allegations are that the distribution of food grains is made to the persons entitled for supply at fair price and the same stand misappropriated by the fair price shop keepers with connivance of authorities of the Department of Food Supply, Government of Rajasthan, by making fake entries in the record. The petitioners while giving some details of misappropriation supported by documentary evidence have sought directions against the persons indulged in the embezzlement. It is averred that despite repeated representation being made, no action is taken by the State authorities.
(3.) A reply to the petition is filed on behalf of the respondents taking the stand that the fair price shops located in the aforesaid villages are effectively supplying the food grains, kerosene and sugar to all the card holders, which are selected as per the National Food Security Act. It is averred that out of the 19 persons named by the petitioners, 5 have been supplied with the ration material after authentication and verification by Point of Sale('POS') Machine. It is submitted that since September, 2016, the complete process of supply of food grain has been switched over from manual register to POS Machine as per order dated 5.8.16, issued by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies.;