Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Cooperative Department has directed regional joint registrars to initiate strict criminal action against public distribution system (PDS) staff found supplying ration items in lesser weight than prescribed.
Ration shops across the state distribute rice and other essential commodities to cardholders. The department noted complaints of irregularities, including short-weighing, and said such practices must be curbed through closer supervision.
In a circular issued by Registrar of Cooperative Societies Latha, officials were asked to instruct ration shop salespersons—through PDS sub-registrars—to ensure accurate quantity without any weight deficiency while issuing commodities to beneficiaries.
The circular also called for continuous monitoring, with weekly and surprise inspections to verify the accuracy of weighing scales and to audit the weight of items being distributed. Staff involved in malpractice may face temporary suspension along with criminal proceedings, and officials were told to issue a strong warning.
It further stated that grocery items should not be forced on consumers and that distribution must reflect people’s choice. Meanwhile, ration shop employees’ union general secretary Dineshkumar alleged that underweight supplies are sent from Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation godowns to ration shops, and urged the department to withdraw what he termed a one-sided circular targeting staff alone.
