Government-subsidised foodstuff dispatched from the district to the Sarkegard-based food depot in Humla has been sold midway, it has been revealed. Foodstuff being carried by mules from Gamgadhi Food Depot meant for seven VDCs in Humla was sold to hotels in Bam and Chankheli in Mugu, locals said. “While people in villages have not received any foodstuff, contractors entrusted with delivering subsidised food to Sarkegard sell it midway for hefty profits,” Hansa Bahadur Aidi of Darma VDC in Humla said. According to Aidi, contractor Laxmi Prasad Jaisi replaced the sack of subsidised rice and sold it at the rate of Rs 6,500 per pack. As a result, VDCs like Darma, Rodikot, Mimi, Shrimasta and Melchham which lie in the lower regions of drought-hit Humla are deprived of food.

Tek Prasad Khatri, Nepal Food Corporation chief in the district, said they have initiated an investigation into the matter after receiving complaints regarding foodstuff being sold midway. According to the NFC office, out of 1,200 quintals of foodstuff which should have been transported to Sarkegard depot, contractor Jaisi has only supplied 700 quintals till date. With the completion of road linking Mugu to Humla, foodstuffs which were earlier transported from Surkhet and Nepalgunj are being brought from the NFC godown in Mugu. Chief District Officer in Mugu Sambhu Prasad Regmi said his office is questioning the corporation on the matter.