Jhalawar: A major irregularity has been uncovered in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district under the food security scheme, with an investigation finding that 1,104 allegedly ineligible families were wrongly included in the Antyodaya category. The families reportedly received around 463 metric tonnes of wheat over a period of more than a year. The district administration’s probe found that officials’ login credentials were allegedly misused through e-Mitra centres to alter the category of beneficiaries.
Taking action against those allegedly involved, the administration has cancelled the licences of eight e-Mitra centres and blacklisted them. Notices have also been issued to families and individuals who allegedly obtained wheat through the irregular entries. The administration will recover the cost of the wheat at the rate of ₹27.50 per kilogram. The district collector has also directed officials to register FIRs against e-Mitra operators and other persons found involved in illegally adding beneficiaries to the scheme.
Officials’ IDs Allegedly Misused
The district supply department conducted the investigation following directions from the district administration. The probe found that names of certain families who did not meet the eligibility criteria were allegedly added to the food security scheme.
Records showed that 1,104 families had been shifted from the APL category to the Antyodaya category. After the changes, these families became eligible to receive wheat under the food security scheme.
According to the investigation, the families collectively lifted around 463 metric tonnes of wheat over a period of more than one year. Officials also found indications that government officials’ IDs were used to make changes to beneficiary records through e-Mitra centres.
The administration is examining digital records and system logs to determine how the credentials were accessed and whether the changes were made with the knowledge or assistance of officials or intermediaries.
Action Against Eight e-Mitra Centres
The investigation identified the role of eight e-Mitra centres in the alleged irregularities. The role of contractual information assistant Gautam Nagar and other individuals connected with the process is also being examined.
Following the findings, the administration cancelled the licences of all eight e-Mitra centres and blacklisted them. Further action against Gautam Nagar and other individuals will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Officials are also examining the records of the beneficiary-category changes to establish who initiated the alterations, how the officials’ IDs were used and whether others were involved in facilitating the process.
Recovery at ₹27.50 per Kg
The administration has issued notices to families and individuals who allegedly received wheat despite being ineligible under the scheme. The cost of the wheat will be recovered at ₹27.50 per kilogram.
The 463 metric tonnes of wheat involved in the case amounts to approximately 463,000 kilograms. The recovery process is expected to cover the quantity allegedly obtained through the unauthorised beneficiary entries.
The administration has said the action is aimed at ensuring that government food assistance reaches genuine and eligible beneficiaries. Officials are also examining whether employees or officials at other levels were involved in approving or facilitating the changes.
FIRs Ordered Against Those Involved
The district collector has directed the district supply officer to initiate FIR proceedings against individuals found to have illegally added names to the scheme or facilitated benefits for ineligible families.
The administration has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found misusing government systems, making unauthorised changes to beneficiary records or assisting in irregularities involving public welfare schemes.
The ongoing investigation is now focused on the digital trail, misuse of officials’ IDs and the complete distribution records to establish how the beneficiary changes were made and how the wheat was subsequently allocated.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
