Odisha MLA listed as BPL beneficiary, drives an SUV

Times of India: Bhubaneswar: Wednesday, April 03, 2013.

He zips around in a Toyota Fortuner but is listed as a below poverty line (BPL) beneficiary. Biju Janata Dal MLA Srinath Soren, from Udala in Mayurbhanj district, who declared his assets in 2009 that in no way qualify him for such benefits, nevertheless has his wife and two kids as well listed under BPL.

The information was obtained through an RTI application. Soren, a first-term MLA, was BPL according to a 1997 survey. Soren's name features in the ward-2 BPL list (card number 282925).

"Soren is listed BPL but he has not been given a card. The civil supplies department gives cards to us to distribute. In case of the MLA, we have not given the card," said Udala National Advisory Council executive officer Santosh Kumar Nial.

Before becoming an MLA, Soren was a zila parishad member in Udala block and a panchayat samiti member from Bodsingaria gram panchayat. The names of Soren's wife Mania Soren and two daughters, Sasmita Soren and Sanjukta Soren, are under the same card number. Civil supplies officer Ranjan Seth said they have nothing to do with the BPL list.

"We prepare cards according to the list NAC sends us. The cards record the date and quantity of rice, wheat, kerosene and sugar procured by the beneficiaries under the public distribution system. I have to verify if the MLA's card has been used to procure the PDS items," said Seth.

When contacted, Soren said the PDS dealer might be procuring items by keeping the card under his name. "I have not received any such card. I was a resident of ward-2 till 2006. But I have shifted to Bodsingaria. It's strange how we are reflected on BPL list. Some erring officials and dealers are perhaps running a racket," the MLA said. He said he would ask the sub-collector to initiate an enquiry in this regard.

Soren declared cash (Rs 11,500), one two-wheeler, one LML Vespa scooter and a Yamaha a bike. He also declared insurance of Rs 50, 000 with Tata-AIG and Rs 25000 in LIC, apart from gold ornaments worth more than Rs 30,000, and landed property worth Rs 2,50,000. Asked about his Fortuner, Soren said, "I purchased the vehicle on loan after becoming MLA."