Delhi minister asks for vigilance team to conduct surprise checks on food trucks

After the news report of ration being diverted made headlines, Delhi Food and Civil Supply Minister Imran Hussain has ordered the department to form a 'Vigilance Team' to conduct surprise checks on the movement of trucks from FCI Godowns to Fair Price Shops in the city and also to check the distribution of foodgrains by the FPS dealers to the beneficiaries.

New Delhi: Delhi Food and Civil Supply Minister Imran Hussain has directed his department to constitute a 'Vigilance Team' to conduct surprise checks on the movement of trucks from FCI Godowns to Fair Price Shops in the city and also to check distribution of foodgrains by the FPS dealers to the beneficiaries.

Speaking to media, an official from the Department said, "so far, at least two incidents were reported where ration was diverted. The government has directed to file FIR in both the cases."

The official said, "the Minister has directed to constitute a Vigilance Team to conduct surprise checks on the movement of trucks from FCI Godowns to FPSs and also to check distribution of foodgrains by the FPS dealers to the beneficiaries."

The official added that the minister is holding review meetings everyday to check any irregularities.

"Negligence will not be tolerated in the supply of foodgrains. We have been conducting raids across the city since the lockdown was announced."

The Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC) is responsible for ensuring the purchase, procurement, processing, movement, transport, import/export and distribution and sale of food stuffs.

The official said, "the Minister has directed the department to review supply of foodgrains from Food Corporation of India(FCI) Godowns to the various Fair Price Shops (FPSs) for ensuring uninterrupted and continued supply of ration to the beneficiaries free of cost at 50 per cent enhanced quantities for April, 2020."

The DSCSC has also appointed its six officers as 'coordinators' to facilitate smooth ration movement and availability at FPSs from six FCI Godowns -- located at CTO Pusa, Shakti Nagar, Okhla, Ghevra, Maya Puri and Narela.

"While the majority of the supplies of the foodgrains have already been delivered to the FPSs, remaining supplies are likely to be completed by April 6," the official added.

Hussain on Wednesday had said that any laxity or connivance on the part of officers or officials which may lead, facilitate or encourage diversion of foodgrains or other malpractices by unscrupulous transporters, FPS dealers etc, will not be tolerated and stern action as per law shall be initiated against all the erring persons including lodging of FIR and arrest.

The Delhi government has decided to supply free ration (wheat and rice) for the month of April, 2020.

It has also decided to provide each NFS ration beneficiary with 7.5 kg of food grains (including 6 Kg of wheat and 1.5 Kg of rice) in place of existing monthly entitlement of 5 kg of food grains (including 4 kg of wheat and 1 kg of rice) for each beneficiary for the month of April, 2020.

Amid the lockdown, the enhanced ration for the month of April is being distributed ‘free of cost' to all the beneficiaries by more than 2,000 Fair Price Shops.

The official also said that adequate ration is available for the beneficiaries and that they should not panic in obtaining ration.

"Beneficiaries should cooperate with FPS dealers and their staff and Civil Defence Volunteers stationed at FPSs so that ration could be distributed smoothly and conveniently to all the beneficiaries. They should also maintain proper social distancing and follow other guidelines/ advisory in their own interest." he said.

(IANS REPORT)