The food ministry has deputed officers of the rank of joint and additional secretaries to review district-wise offtake of foodgrain.
“In the next two-three weeks, all officers of the rank of joint and additional secretaries will visit different districts and take first-hand information,” an official statement said. The ministry estimates about 20 per cent of the total additional ad hoc grains allocated to states are not lifted, which leads to storage crisis in the godowns of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Food minister K V Thomas had recently allowed states to distribute grains from ad hoc allocation in schools, colleges, old-age homes, jails, etc, and not restrict it to open market and public distribution sales only. Officials said the ministry was also considering states’ demand to reduce the issue price of additional grains allocated for above poverty line families.
“During the special tours, the officials will also inspect the godowns of FCI and other procurement agencies to review the storage management so that the quality control is maintained at any cost,” the statement added.
