Paul Malto is an adivasi school teacher from the remote hilly region of Sahibganj in Jharkhand. In a region that does not even receive a cell phone signal, Paul is a rare literate individual. He says that it puts him in a position of responsibility. He is representative and mouthpiece of his community’s voice, something that he hopes to amplify…

Paul Malto

Community Correspondent Paul Malto, who belongs to Sahabganj, considered to be one of the country's 250 most backward districts, highlights the lack of access to affordable food for the families in his village.

In Pagar pahar and surrounding villages of Sahabganj District Jharkhand, more than 450 families belonging to the Pahadiya Jaati tribe, do not have access to rations at a subsidized rate. The problem has continued for more than fourteen months now.

The Public distribution system is clearly a failure here. One of the primary responsibilities of the Food and Civil Supplies on the Public Distribution System is "To ensure availability of essential commodities at a reasonable price to all sections of the people, particularly to the vulnerable sections of the society, throughout the year."

Gadrai Paharia and his family, who are small farmers and depend on forest produce for their livelihood, buy rice at prices that are not at all affordable to them. This takes a heavy toll on their living expenses and daily sustenance.

"The government schemes never reach the tribal people. Why? The media isn't interested in our stories either. Their voices get confined only to the hills they live in," says Paul.

Make sure their voices are heard and demand that they get the benefits due to them without any further delay.

Call to Action: Please call the District Collector Mr Ashok Kumar on 09006513454 and ask him to ensure that the people of Pagar pahar are able to access rations from the Public Distribution System.