Published Apr 20, 2026 | 7:06 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 20, 2026 | 7:06 PM
Representational image (iStock)
Synopsis: The government has sought a report within two days to determine whether there were lapses on the part of officials in the Public Distribution Department. Authorities have indicated that strict action will follow against all those found responsible once the investigation concludes.
Serious lapses in the public distribution system have come to light in Idamalakkudi, Idukki, Kerala’s only tribal panchayat, triggering urgent inspections, suspensions, and a multi-level inquiry by authorities.
Acting on reports of irregularities in ration supply, the State Food Commission dispatched a team led by its Chairperson, Jinu Zacharia Oommen, to conduct an on-ground inspection across the remote panchayat under Devikulam.
The visit followed complaints from residents about prolonged disruptions in the availability of essential food grains.
Investigators uncovered a suspected shortfall of nearly 65,000 kilograms of rice at the Devikulam Girijan Cooperative Society, which oversees ration distribution in the region.
Inspections at ration outlets in Societykudy and Vellavarakkudy revealed the absence of basic documentation, including registers tracking stock arrivals and distribution.
Officials noted that the outlets appeared to be functioning without adherence to standard procedures or oversight mechanisms.
The commission team travelled to several hamlets, including Edaliparakudy, Kavakkattukudy, Meenkuthikudy, and Iruppukallukudy, interacting directly with tribal residents. Many reported that they had not received adequate rations since February.
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Residents described walking 4 to 5 kilometres from remote settlements to ration shops, only to be turned away due to lack of stock.
A token-based system reportedly used by shop operators came under sharp criticism.
Beneficiaries said tokens issued earlier were later declared invalid, a practice the commission termed “completely illegal.”
In response to the findings, authorities have moved quickly.
Licences of two ration shops operating under the cooperative society have been suspended since April 18, and alternative arrangements have been put in place to ensure continued distribution.
A five-member special squad led by the Vigilance Officer is currently conducting a detailed inquiry.
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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs has directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against the licence holders involved.
District Collector Dineshan Cheruvat has also ordered a parallel probe at the joint-registrar level into the functioning of the cooperative society.
The government has sought a report within two days to determine whether there were lapses on the part of officials in the Public Distribution Department.
Authorities have indicated that strict action will follow against all those found responsible once the investigation concludes.
Situated about 30 kilometres from Munnar, Idamalakkudi is home primarily to the Muthuvan community.
The unfolding crisis has raised serious concerns about access to essential services in remote tribal regions.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
