An announcement in Kowtharam village under Gudlavalleru mandal telling people that all the ration card holders shall have to pay Rs 20 each as Dasara mamool created ripples. The irony is that this village falls under the constituency of civil supplies minister Kodali Nani himself.
Three ration dealers in Kowtharam village decided to collect Rs. 20 each from card holders and ordered village tom-tommer Prabhakar Rao to make this announcement in the entire village. Prabhakar Rao carried out their instruction.
The news reached the village revenue officer. Media persons who came to know of this open demand of Dasara Mamool through villagers, asked the VRO about it. He acknowledged that announcement was made in the village and they were enquiring about it. Tahsildar too admitted that tom-tomming was made and added that after an inquiry, appropriate action would be taken.
Greed unlimited
The government pays commission to ration dealers. But this audacious act of demanding money from people reveals their greed. Villagers complain that never had dealers been so bold to publicly demand festival tip in the past though it is common to seek some amount. Higher officials are also inquiring into the manner in which dealers are demanding money from card holders as if it is their right. It is to be seen what action will be taken against those dealers.
