MITHI, Nov 3: Tharis have expressed their reservations regarding what they termed flawed distribution of free wheat.

In separate statements issued here the other day, the Naib Nazim of the Mithi Tehsil, Kanjimal, and the chief of the Thar Awami Ittehad, Hassan Pasayo, criticised the distribution of inferior quality of wheat among the local people.

They alleged that the wheat bags, meant for free distribution, were being distributed by the Patwaris, food department officials and transporters, under a “give and take” policy.

The distribution, they said, was to be supervised by previously nominated committees.

They said that numerous drought-hit poor families rema-ined deprived of the commodity.

They alleged that most of the bags of relief wheat, which were to have been of 100kg, weighed between 10kg and 40kg, besides the quality of the wheat was also inferior.

They urged the chief secretary, Sindh, the relief commissioner and other relevant authorities to take notice of the matter and order the concerned authorities to make the distribution system transparent besides ensuring the provision of relief to every drought-affected family.

Meanwhile, people of several villages, including Alamsar, Udani, Nariar, Fosarko and Dhabhi, accused the personnel of the revenue and the food departments of misappropriating the relief wheat, which they said had been allocated for their villages.

They urged the concerned authorities to institute an inquiry into the matter.

Previously, the provincial Relief Commissioner, Manzoor Hussain Bhutto, had visited various wheat distribution centres on the directives of the Chief Secretary, Sindh, K. B. Rind.

The relief commissioner had taken serious notice of the public complaints.