The Odisha State Government has taken action against 125 Self Help Groups for producing sub-standard ‘Chhatua’ intended as Take Home Ration.
Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida, while addressing the Odisha Assembly, stated that following reports from the State Food Testing Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, collectors have been directed to act against these SHGs per the Supplementary Nutrition Programme guidelines.
A total of 125 SHGs have been pinpointed for producing inferior-quality Chhatua. District administrations have begun proceedings against these groups, with numerous SHGs receiving show-cause notices and some being removed from their service roles.
In Rayagada district, 14 SHGs were issued show-cause notices, while in Jharsuguda, 12 SHGs were subjected to action, including disengagement of two and penalties for ten. In Koraput district, 11 SHGs received show-cause notices for sub-standard Chhatua production. In Jagatsinghpur, ten groups were identified for producing low-quality food, with seven receiving show-cause notices.
Additionally, several district CDPOs and supervisors were issued show-cause notices, with the Subarnapur CDPO’s salary being withheld following a notice.
