Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 14

Anomalies in distribution of rations to Covid-19 positive patients in home isolation came to the fore after residents claimed that they were provided only wheat flour and rest of the items mentioned on the delivery list were missing.

The residents said when they opened the food packets delivered on their doorsteps they found most of the items on the list missing.

“I received a call from the administration for delivery of rations. We agreed to collect the rations so that we could give it further to someone in need. But to our surprise, the items on the list were missing. The delivery vehicle that came to our house only delivered 10 kg wheat flour,” said a Lehal area resident.

The packets being delivered by the administration mention items, including 10 kg wheat flour, 2 kg black chana and 2 kg sugar.

“I received a packet from the delivery persons but it only contained 10 kg wheat flour. While we can afford to buy commodities from the market, there are many poor people who suffer because of this. This could be deliberate or by mistake, the administration should check it,” said an Urban Estate resident.

When contacted, Patiala SDM Charanjit Singh said, “We are getting properly packed deliveries from the Food and Civil Supplies office. We have not received any complaint till now. I will get it checked properly.”

The administration has deputed officials to contact the Covid-19 positive patients in home isolation on phone and ask them if they want the delivery or not, the SDM informed, adding that “more than 50 per cent people denied the aid”.