JAN 8, 2025 (KAK): With several reports of alleged irregularities in the distribution and utilisation of subsidised food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in Kakching district of Manipur, it has come to light that no signatures from the mandatory authorities have been found on the utilisation certificates from the financial year 2021 till date. Instead, the certificates reportedly bear signatures of agents, or in some cases, have no valid signatures at all.
This information came to light through an RTI application filed by the Caretaker of Kakching Municipal Council, Naorem Sanjitkumar. Sanjitkumar further alleged that neither the District Supply Officer (CAF & PD), Kakching, nor the Kakching Municipal Council has officially clarified to the public who issued these utilisation certificates or under whose authority they were signed. He asserted that this information must be made public for the sake of transparency and public accountability.
Sanjitkumar said that the RTI replies revealed serious discrepancies. While utilisation certificates were reportedly submitted claiming proper distribution, the mandatory signatures of the competent authorities—namely the Senior Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson, and Councillors of the Municipal Council—were absent. He reiterated that from 2021 onwards, no authorised signatory from the Municipal Council had signed the utilisation certificates.
He questioned who had actually signed the utilisation certificates and who issued them, and demanded that the concerned departments clarify the matter to the public as well as to the Municipal Council. Emphasising the need for transparency, Sanjitkumar called upon the authorities to disclose the full details so that public trust is not eroded and accountability is ensured.
