CS dept to plug loopholes in PDS

​Hyderabad: The Civil Supplies Enforcement and Task Force teams are keeping a strict vigil on irregularities in the Public Distribution System (PDS). Taking a serious note on PDS rice recycling, Commissioner for Civil Supplies Akun Sabharwal has swung into action to prevent malpractices in distribution of rice.

It may be recalled that the Enforcement team on March 11 raided mills and seized 540 quintals of PDS rice being transported in four lorries from Varun Industries situated at KC Camp, Huzurabad mandal in Karimnagar district.

The Commissioner responded seriously on the issue and transferred the officials involved in the scam. He warned that whoever involved in the PDS rice recycling business would be booked under criminal sections and put behind bars under PD Act.

The Commissioner made a field visit to Karimnagar and Warangal districts. He inspected IKP Purchase Centres at Manakondur and Keshavapatnam and reviewed with the officials in Karimnagar. He also visited IKP Purchase Centres in Warangal Rural, Urban, Bhoopalpalli and Mahaboobabad and reviewed with officials in Hanamkonda and discussed the issue with farmers. He also visited Jangaon and Yadadri as part of the drive. 

He asked the officials to make ground level visits to purchase centres and take necessary steps to see that farmers did not face any loss or problems. Paddy purchasing should be completed faster and shifting of paddy to mills should be done immediately, he directed the officials.

Earlier, Akun Sabharwal checked Varun Industries in Huzurabad where PDS rice was smuggled for recycling and made preliminary investigation with Local RDO, Police and Enforcement officials. He transferred responsible DCSO A Usharani and ordered her to report at the head office. 

He also surrendered Deputy Tahasildar M A Nawaz and Food Inspector Anwarullah Khan to the Revenue Department. He said a complete investigation would be conducted in the case. He warned the officials that strict action would be taken against those involved in the PDS rice smuggling.

The Civil Supplies Department till now purchased 20.95 lakh metric tons of paddy from 3.21 lakh farmers through 3,119 purchase centres and 20.06 LMT of paddy was already shifted to the mills. The value of paddy purchased till now is Rs 3,327.71 crore.