Food Corporation panel discusses ways to improve its overall operations

A High Level Committee (HLC) that is working towards improving the overall operations of Food Corporation of India (FCI) met today and chiefly discussed presentations made by three executive directors (EDs) of the public sector undertaking.

At the FCI headquarters here, delegates of the eight-member HLC formed by the central government listened to presentations by ED (Purchase) on jute bags/packaging material, ED (Personnel) on rationalization of administrative and functional structure of FCI, and by ED (IRL) on rationalization of labour and occurrence of losses.

The committee, headed by former Union Minister Shanta Kumar who is now a Member of Parliament initially discussed planning, supply and problems associated with jute bags. The presentation by ED (Purchase) also delved into matters such as mandatory provisions for use of jute bags and scope for using alternative packaging material like HDPE/PP bags and consequent savings.

The committee also decided to visit the states of Bihar and Mizoram for an on-the-spot review and to take the feedback from various stakeholders.

Further, the HLC directed that suggestions received from the public, NGOs and other stakeholders should be compiled and placed before the committee for consideration.

The fourth meeting today also held in-depth discussions with EDs heading Personnel and IRL departments, with focus on issues of procurement of food grains, performance of PDS and financial management of FCI. The HLC will meet again tomorrow.