Ration Card Corruption in Numaligarh: Villagers Allege Extortion by Fair Price Dealer

Despite the Chief Minister’s firm directives to curb corruption in the public distribution system, a deeply troubling incident has emerged from Dhalaguri, near Numaligarh. Residents of the area have accused a fair price shop dealer, Joydeep Dey, of extorting money from villagers under the pretext of facilitating ration card applications.

Locals from 1 No. Cheschabil in Daigroong claim that Joydeep demanded amounts ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 from daily wage earners — individuals already living on the margins of poverty. In one instance, a woman recounted how she approached him with valid documents to apply for her brother’s ration card. Joydeep allegedly insisted on ₹1,500 upfront — an illegal demand under state welfare policies. After collecting her brother’s fingerprints, he assured her the amount would be adjusted through future rice supplies. However, no rice was ever delivered.

Another resident shared a similar experience. After paying ₹500 for card processing, they received rice for two months. But Joydeep later informed them that unless an additional ₹1,100 was paid, they would no longer be eligible for rations. Shockingly, even individuals who had completed biometric registration were reportedly denied food grain allocations due to unpaid “balances,” according to multiple testimonies.

This exploitation has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable — those who earn their living through manual labor and rely heavily on subsidized essentials. Villagers allege that, in the name of ration card preparation, Joydeep has been collecting unlawful fees from numerous households. While the government supplies three months’ worth of rice at once to ease the burden on rural families, the relief was short-lived for many, who say they were compelled to pay bribes just to access what was rightfully theirs.

Outraged by the situation, villagers submitted written complaints to the Morongi Revenue Circle Officer through their Village Development Committee. A formal investigation is now underway.

When confronted, Joydeep admitted to collecting small amounts — not as bribes, he claimed, but to cover personal “expenses” like tea, betel nuts, or travel related to card processing. He denied any misconduct, stating that rice was withheld only in cases where ration cards had not been officially issued. According to him, fingerprint-based systems ensure transparency, and the accusations stemmed from misunderstandings. He further argued that the public lacks awareness about the digital linking required for formal card issuance.

Notably, Joydeep attempted to distance himself from the shop’s daily operations, stating that his father oversees everything and that the license is merely in his name. “I’ve shared all the information I’m aware of,” he told reporters, avoiding direct responses to the more serious allegations.

Meanwhile, the local village head confirmed that the Revenue Circle Officer has requested a detailed report. Community-level inquiries have revealed that many individuals who had completed verification were denied their rightful supplies simply because they couldn’t afford the additional sums demanded. For a region already grappling with poverty, such actions are not only unethical — they are devastating.

This case underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in India’s public distribution system and the urgent need for stronger accountability and oversight at the grassroots level.