NT Reporter
Ponda
Complaints over poor-quality wheat allegedly supplied through the public distribution system have prompted the Civil Supplies Department to issue a strict
directive to fair price shop (FPS) dealers in Ponda taluka, ordering them to immediately stop the distribution of damaged, wet, spoiled or otherwise unfit wheat and rice.
The issue came to light after beneficiaries, including locals associated with the Savoi Verem Vikas Seva Society, complained about the condition of wheat received through the ration system. The complaints have raised concerns over the quality of food grains being supplied and whether beneficiaries are being forced to accept substandard stock.
Taking cognisance of the complaints, Assistant Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Ponda taluka, Dr Gaurav Naik, issued an advisory directing FPS dealers to immediately segregate damaged stock and report it to the Godown In-charge and Inspector-In-Charge. The damaged quota is to be replaced at the fair price shops.
However, a key concern remains: what happens to beneficiaries who
have already refused or could not take their quota because the wheat was of poor quality? If the replacement is made to the FPS, beneficiaries fear they could lose the quota for that month, with no adjustment in the following month’s allocation.
Naik said the department is working to sort out the issue and emphasised that the quota at the affected FPS will be replaced. He also said that some wheat can suffer moisture-related damage during the monsoon due to adverse climatic conditions.
