Minister hints at automation of FCI godowns

Electronic weighing machines, CCTVs planned at all Food Corporation of India godowns

The state government will soon install electronic weighing machines (EWM) and close circuit TVs at all the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Dinesh Gundurao said here on Sunday that there have been complaints of irregularities in weight and measurement, and of illegal transportation of food grains under the PDS from several districts.

Hence, to plug the loopholes in the PDS, the government has decided to install EWMs and CCTVs in all the godowns owned by the FCI. The project will not see a huge expenditure by the state exchequer, and will be a reality very soon, he asserted.

On the ration card, the minister stated that the government has decided to introduce smart cards for the ration card beneficiaries. At present, the ration card given to the beneficiaries are very thin and non-durable.

Hence, a proposal has been made to the chief minister to reserve funds in the next budget for smart cards. Once the proposal gets the green signal, the government will launch biometric and photography drive for the beneficiaries, he added.

Rs 100 crore funds for Hubli-Dharwad
The minister also informed that the twin cities of Dharwad and Hubli have got a special fund of Rs 100 crore from the chief minister for improving the urban infrastructure.

The HDMC will use the funds to take up some of the key issues, namely improvement of roads, drinking water projects, renovation of kala bhavan, swimming pool, synthetic track and other works.

About Rs 40 crore has already been earmarked for improving drinking water facilities in all the 67 wards of Hubli-Dharwad and Rs 34 crore for improving roads. The officials have given reports that 30 roads in twin cities need immediate attention. Accordingly, funds have been sanctioned to improve 17 roads in the first phase and utilise the money for the remaining roads.

Rs 75 lakh additional grant is given to complete the construction works at Kala Bhavan, he said.

On BRTS, the minister stated that the process of land acquisition for the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is being undertaken. Several rounds of meetings to award consent have been completed and land owners have agreed to part with their land for the project. The government will give scientific market price for the land that will be acquired to construct an eight-lane road. The land acquisition process would commence shortly, he said.

The project cost is escalating due to soaring prices of the construction materials. Hence, the officials and the contractor have been directed to complete the work on a war footing, he said.

On the Hubli Gymkhana Club Ground issue, Dinesh Gundurao stated that the deputy commissioner has given his report to the government. Discussions will be held with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the report and proper action be taken.