Reality Check: Sub-standard rice distributed in Delhi PDS shops

ETV Bharat reached the Bhati Mines area of West Delhi to check the ground reality of the ration being provided by the Delhi government and has found that the rice supplied by the fair shop was of sub-standard quality. It contains clay, stones and excreta of rats.

New Delhi: At a time when the country is struggling to overcome the deadly coronavirus pandemic, a case of supplying sub-standard rice at the fair price shops have added the woes to thousands of beneficiaries in New Delhi's Bhati Mines area.

The man, who claims himself as the party worker of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party, declined to take the grain even if it was offered “free of cost”.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, some of the beneficiaries said, "Rice supplied by a ration shop here was of sub-standard quality. Half the quantity of grains was filled with clay, stones, unhusked rice, and rust."

Rice contains clay, stones, and excreta of rats

A 22-year-old man was surprised to see the pathetic condition of the rice and exclaimed, "How can a human being take the food filled with the excreta of rats and other animals."

Pathetic condition of room where the grains are stored

When ETV Bharat Correspondent asked the public distribution system (PDS) worker, Praveen who was involved in the distribution of the rice, he said, "I have joined the duty today. Earlier, some other person was involved in the distribution. Don't ask anything to me as I am not responsible for this mess."

However, the Delhi Cabinet chaired by CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday had given nod to provide 'Corona Relief Kit' which contains 4 kg wheat and 1 kg rice. The relief kit also contains one litre of refined oil, one kg chhole chana, one kg sugar, one kg salt, 200 gm turmeric powder, 200gm coriander powder, 200 gm chilli powder and two bars of soap.