‘File report on CCTV cameras in ration shops’

Justice D Krishnakumar who posted the petition from A Geetha who moved a plea challenging her termination for alleged misappropriation to Thursday, said “It is brought to the notice of this court that several irregularities have come to light in Fair Price shops during the surprise inspection conducted by officials of the Civil Supplies Corporation and disciplinary action has been initiated against the employees while some of the employees were terminated from service.”

Noting that the termination was due to the misconduct and loss sustained to the Civil Supplies Corporation and that there is also an allegation that essential commodities allocated to the ration card holders were sold in the black market, the Judge said, “Therefore, in the interest of public and employees, this court directs the Special Government Pleader appearing for the authorities to file a report from the government for providing CCTV cameras in all the Fair Price shops and the same shall be monitored by higher authorities to prevent misappropriation or irregularities by the staff of the Fair Price shop.”

The petitioner, who was working in Abhiramapuram Fair Price shop was terminated for misappropriation of the items in the shop during a surprise check conducted by the Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies.