Govt To Probe Diversion Of Tpds Grains

The government has ordered an inquiry into complaints of misuse of foodgrains provided to people at half the economic price under the targeted public distribution system (TPDS).

Union food and civil supplies minister R P Singh directed officers from his department to visit the states and submit their report by September 5 on the reasons behind non-availability of foodgrains to the needy.

The officers have been directed to talk to beneficiaries and find out their problems.

Singh said he had received a number of complaints of black-marketing of foodgrains provided under targeted public distribution system from different political parties and non-government organisations.

The minister said there were enough stocks of foodgrains in the central pool, and the government will take all measures to prevent black-marketing of foodgrains.

He minister said that under targeted public distribution system, ten kilograms of foodgrains are supplied to families living below the poverty line at half the central issue price every month.