Date:19/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031959820900.htm

Tamil Nadu

Complaints galore at Civil Supplies office

R.K. Radhakrishnan

Surprise inspection on Assistant Commissioner’s office in Chennai

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

A PATIENT HEARING: Food Minister E.V. Velu listening to consumers’ complaints at the Civil Supplies Assistant Commissioner’s office in Chennai on Tuesday.

CHENNAI: A volley of complaints greeted Food Minister E.V. Velu when he and Commissioner K. Rajaraman conducted a surprise inspection on the office of Assistant Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies Department, St. Thomas Mount Zone, on Tuesday. The AC’s office controls 78 ration shops in the area and has just over 1.6 lakh family card holders.

Rafiuddin had been to the office a dozen times for a change of address. “The board displayed here says it will take only three days,” he told Mr. Velu. Everyone in the queue – for new cards, change of address, deletion of name or inclusion of name — had a complaint.

And, the counters opened late. “They opened at 11 a.m.,” a few people were heard telling the Minister.

The complaints that poured in during the last few weeks prompted Mr. Velu to make the surprise inspection. “Of the 14 offices that cater to people in Chennai, I have received complaints about a few offices. I am here to check on them and find out what the problems are,” he said.

Poongothai, who applied for a ration card in 2006, wanted to know the fate of her application. “We have dispatched 10 lakh cards. Another 9 lakh people have been sent postcards telling them that they have not submitted enough documents,” Mr.Velu said. His advice to people who did not receive either: “Apply again. I will ensure you get a card in 60 days.” He noted down the names of people who belonged to the 2006 batch who were yet to get the cards.

K. Subramani from Pammal also wants rice on his ‘sugar card,’ a demand that was rejected outright by the zonal office.

The Minister said that this was not fair. “Enquire on a case by case basis and give them,” he instructed.

Action against staff

Mr.Velu said that action would be taken against staff who did not report on time. He wanted them to treat people humanely.

“Many of these people are very poor and need a card. We need to remember we are here to help them,” he said.