KUMAR PRABHAT
DUMKA
A large-scale verification drive by the Dumka district administration has uncovered several irregularities in the implementation of the Jharkhand Rajya Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, with a number of ineligible beneficiaries found receiving financial assistance and subsidised rations.
The inspection was conducted on Saturday by Ranishwar Block Development Officer (BDO) Rajesh Kumar Sinha on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ranishwar. The drive was launched following complaints that wives of government employees were illegally availing benefits under the state welfare scheme.
During verification in Putka village under Haripur panchayat, officials found that Mitu Kumari, wife of Indian Railways employee Tapas Das, had been receiving benefits despite being ineligible. The family was also allegedly using a Red Ration Card meant for economically weaker households to obtain subsidised foodgrains.
Similar violations were detected in Bilkandi and Dakshinjol panchayats, where wives of government school teachers were found enrolled under the scheme. The probe also identified ineligible beneficiaries among the families of two para teachers, four Poshan Sakhis, one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and one chowkidar.
Officials further detected suspected ration card manipulation in Patthra panchayat. A beneficiary, Rima Chandra, allegedly secured approval under the scheme using a Red Ration Card before later obtaining a separate Green Ration Card, enabling the household to draw rations through two cards while residing together in the same house.
Following the findings, the BDO ordered the immediate suspension of Maiyan Samman benefits to all identified ineligible beneficiaries. Recovery proceedings have been initiated for wrongly claimed funds, while action has also been launched against the fraudulent issuance and use of ration cards. The administration said verification drives will continue to ensure welfare benefits reach only eligible recipients.
