Dr Jinu Zakaria Oommen, Chairperson of the Keralam State Food Commission, led a comprehensive inspection in Edamalakkudy, the only tribal Panchayat in Idukki's Devikulam taluk, following multiple complaints about ration distribution irregularities.
The Commission carried out surprise inspections at ration shops and visited various tribal settlements to speak directly with beneficiaries after allegations that eligible families had not received allocated food grains for several months.
A preliminary inquiry by the Civil Supplies Department had already uncovered a shortage of 65 metric tonnes of food grains at shops operated by the Girijan Service Cooperative Society. This prompted the Idukki District Collector to order a thorough investigation.
During the inspection of the Societykudy ration shop, officials discovered no proper records of stock arrival or distribution. Mandatory registers had not been maintained, and the shop was reportedly operating outside prescribed norms.
Residents from Societykudy, Idaliparakudy, Kavakkattukudy, Meenkuthikudy, Irupkallukudy, and Vellavarakkudy informed the Commission that they had not received their entitlements since February. Many said they walked three to four kilometres only to find stock unavailable. In several instances, illegal tokens were issued in place of food grains, which were subsequently rejected citing “expiry”, an act described by the Commission as illegal.
The Commission also inspected the ration depot at Vellavarakkudy, which was found in very poor condition. Serious lapses by officials, including the District Supply Officer and Devikulam Taluk Supply Officer, were noted for failure to take prompt action against the licensee, Akhil Jose, Secretary of the Girijan Service Cooperative Society.
The Commission recommended prosecuting the licensee and other responsible individuals under the Essential Commodities Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It also directed the government to take strict disciplinary action against officials responsible for the lapses since February 2026, specifically naming Devikulam Taluk Supply Officer Sanjay Nath R. and rationing inspectors Jayakumar and Jemy Jose.
To resolve grievances, the Commission instructed the Additional District Magistrate to hold a special adalat in coordination with the Edamalakudy Panchayat to identify affected beneficiaries and provide food security allowances.
The Civil Supplies Commissioner has been ordered to personally ensure uninterrupted ration distribution, with the Commission suggesting mobile ration shops as a possible solution for remote settlements.
The inspection was accompanied by Devikulam Tahsildar J Jayakrishnan along with local police and forest authorities.