Smuggling and stealing of ration; Kerala government with new 3.15 crore project to end irregularities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has decided to install CCTV cameras in 66 NFSA godowns under Supplyco to prevent ration food items from being stolen. The system will allow the live footage from the cameras to be monitored from the office of the Food and Public Distribution Commissioner. The 3.15 crore project has been approved and Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for this year.

The ration items acquired by the Food Department from FCI godowns are taken to the ration shops only after they are delivered to the NFSA godowns. Rice, among other items, is being stolen and smuggled from these godowns. The irregularities were found by Supplyco and Vigilance. Meanwhile, the ration traders are demanding that the ration items be measured and delivered at the doorsteps.

Centre says no to godowns

The central government's stance is that there is no need to store ration items in NFSA godowns. It is enough to deliver ration items directly from FCI to ration shops. This is part of the implementation of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme. However, Kerala does not agree with this. If this is implemented, the loading and unloading workers in the godowns will lose their jobs. There are 4,100 workers in 182 godowns. The Centre had also suggested that the distance from FCI godowns to ration shops in the area should be informed.