Jammu and Kashmir: Civilians near the Border Security Force’s Jammu and Kashmir camp have alleged that the officers sell provisions meant for jawans at half price to the general public.
The ration which is provided to the jawans for free for their consumption is been sold at cheaper rates. Civilians said that the shopkeepers near the Humhama BSF headquarters, located close to the Srinagar Airport, are beneficiaries of petrol, diesel, food items like dal and vegetables.
A BSF jawan said.“They sell food items like dal and vegetables to civilians outside the camp at cheaper rates and leave us bereft of the facilities. They even deny us our daily-use items and sell the same to their agents outside the camps.”
The disclosure was first made by the Jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav of the 29th battalion of Seema Suraksha Bal in Jammu and Kashmir. The soldier alleged that the paramilitary forces engaged in shady dealings. He posted four videos on Sunday, showing the challenging conditions at his post and the substandard food he was being given after 10 hours of duty.The video caused a huge furor on social media over the conditions in which jawans live.
A civil contractor said.“We get petrol from BSF officers in charge of provisions at Humhama camp at half the market rate… Other items, like rice and spices, are also available much cheaper.” Besides, they are also beneficiaries of other items like rice and spices.
A furniture dealer alleged that “purchasing officers while placing orders for elegant furniture for their offices, take a commission that is more than what we earn”.
Adding.“There is no e-tendering in the BSF. The officer will purchase furniture and take a commission and even compromise on the quality of the items.”
The BSF had alleged that jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav had past history of alcoholism and creating trouble. A statement issued by the force read, “Constable Tej Bahadur as an individual has a difficult past. From initial days of his career, he needed regular counseling. Different correction mechanics have been applied for the individual’s welfare as he was a habitual offender of absenteeism without permission, chronic alcoholism, misbehaving and using force with superior officers and certain other acts against good order and discipline. For such reasons, the individual has served mostly in headquarters under the supervision of some dedicated superior officer.”
The official said, adding the jawan has also applied for voluntary retirement.”However, the force has already ordered a full investigation into the allegations made by Yadav who joined the force in 1996.”
A senior home ministry official as saying, “It’s a very touchy issue and highly sensitive to the welfare of troops. Rajnathji today instructed the DG BSF to submit the inquiry report by Wednesday… Strong action will be taken against those involved in the pilferage of rations meant for soldiers if the allegations are true.”