Nagaland: Major controversy erupts over alleged ₹952-crore rice scam
By Rahul Datta
Nagaland is witnessing a major controversy following allegations of large-scale misappropriation of subsidised rice under the Tide-Over Scheme, with activists and citizens raising concerns over what they describe as one of the largest scams in the state’s history.
The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland, a prominent anti-corruption organisation, claims to possess incriminating documents pointing to the systematic siphoning of rice distributed under the scheme by the Food & Civil Supplies Department. According to ACAUT’s media cell, the alleged malpractice has been ongoing since the scheme’s inception in 2018 and continues unabated to this day.
Under the Tide-Over Scheme, the Government of India supplies 3,872.72 metric tonnes (MT) of rice to Nagaland every month, meant to be distributed to beneficiaries at a subsidised rate of ₹8.30 per kilogram. However, ACAUT claims that despite the consistent inflow of rice over the past seven years, which totals 3,17,563 MT or approximately 31 lakh kilograms, no beneficiaries have been registered under the scheme.
“It is believed that this rice has been and is being siphoned off and sold in the open market,” ACAUT stated. The organisation alleges that the diverted rice is polished, repackaged, and sold at exorbitant prices.
ACAUT’s investigation indicates that the rice, meant for the people of Nagaland, is being disguised as premium brands. “As per our investigation, there’s enough proof that all the fancy rice brands being sold in the market — purportedly imported from different states in India — are nothing but repackaged and polished Tide-Over rice meant for the state of Nagaland. The only rice being imported into the state is the Basmati variety. It’s amply clear that the gullible public is being fooled into buying their own subsidised rations at exorbitant prices,” the organisation alleged.
The alleged scam has reportedly caused an estimated loss of ₹952 crore, calculated at a conservative market price of ₹30 per kilogram. “It’s undoubtedly clear that the scam is not possible without the green signal of the government at the highest level,” ACAUT further alleged.
ACAUT Nagaland has demanded that the Lokayukta initiate a suo moto case and launch a thorough investigation into what is now being referred to as the Tide-Over Rice Scam. “Failing which, ACAUT shall be compelled to seek legal recourse,” the organisation warned.
The allegations have sparked outrage among citizens, with many calling for accountability and immediate corrective action. The revelation that citizens may unknowingly be purchasing their own subsidised rations at inflated prices has deepened the public outcry.
While ACAUT has called for urgent intervention, the state government and the Food & Civil Supplies Department have yet to issue any official statement addressing the allegations. The silence from authorities has further fueled suspicions of high-level complicity in the alleged scam.
The Tide-Over Scheme was introduced with the aim of ensuring food security for vulnerable populations in the state, but the current allegations point to a systematic failure in the administration of this critical programme. Activists and citizens are now demanding that the state government act decisively to safeguard public resources and hold those responsible accountable.
ACAUT has suggested several measures, including an independent audit of the Tide-Over Scheme and greater transparency in the procurement and distribution process, to prevent such alleged scams in the future. It has also urged the public to remain vigilant and to demand answers from the authorities.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are now on the Lokayukta and state government to take appropriate action to restore public faith and ensure justice in what could be one of the state’s most significant corruption cases.
This article has been republished from The East Mojo.