Move to load goods directly from FCI godown to ration shops, eliminating need for Supplyco godowns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central government has decided to deliver goods directly from FCI godowns to ration shops. At present, rice and wheat from FCI godowns are delivered to NFSA godowns under the control of Supplyco. From there the ration is delivered to the shops.

This reform is part of the implementation of One nation One ration card scheme. The Union Food Department has informed the state government about this. The center has also asked to inform about the distance from the FCI godowns to the ration shops in the area.

It is believed that irregularity in ration distribution can be prevented to some extent. The vigilance department has found that rice smuggling and evasion are taking place in godowns. Food grains perish in godowns due to improper maintenance. All these problems will be solved.

The police had found out that there are some centers where tonnes of ration rice smuggled from government godowns in the state are replaced with new government-sealed sacks before they are delivered to private godowns. This was found out by the police in a search in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Wayanad districts. It was also found that the operators of such centers are close to some political leaders and civil supplies officials.

Civil Supplies Department officials often do not recommend a police investigation beyond suspending the depot employee.

If the reform is implemented, the warehouse workers will lose their jobs. It is estimated that there are 4100 workers in 182 warehouses.

'It has not been decided to implement. Discussions will be held with labour unions. It will not be implemented unilaterally'

-GR Anil,

Minister of Civil Supplies