Silchar: Assam minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs Rihon Daimary has instructed the Karimganj administration in south Assam to take measures in connection with alleged corruption in the implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013, in the district.

The National Food Security Act, 2013, is an act of Parliament that aims to provide subsidised food grains to approximately two-third of the population.

South Karimganj legislator Aziz Ahmed Khan, who raised the issue in Parliament and spoke to Daimary on Thursday, said he had asked Dhrubajyoti Deb, an additional deputy commissioner of Karimganj district, to take necessary steps to check the corrupt practices.

"I apprised Daimary of people's grievances and regular complaints of anomalies, especially in South Karimganj constituency. The minister assured that necessary steps would be taken," Khan said.

Residents of several villages in South Karimganj, including Farampasha, Nilambazar, Keotkuna, Dholcherra, Singaria and Suprakandi among others, complained that even though beneficiaries should get rice at Rs 3 per kilogram according to the scheme, dealers sell it at Rs 5-6 per kilogram. Besides, a large number of beneficiaries are yet to be issued food security cards despite applying for the scheme following guidelines, they alleged.

Actual beneficiaries were being deprived, whereas many wealthy people were availing of the scheme benefits, the villagers alleged.

Residents said the corrupt practices took place in South Karimganj constituency, one of the five constituencies in the district with a population of around 3.5 lakh. The residents also alleged that though they had approached the authorities several times, no step has been taken following which they informed Khan.

Deb said the matter was being investigated to ensure the act is implemented properly and all beneficiaries avail of the facilities.

"A thorough inquiry is under way to check whether fake food security cards are being used. Action will be taken against those found involved in the corrupt practices," he added.