Dec 11, 2012

Measures to Ensure Quality Foodgrains through PDS

There is a system to ensure that only good quality foodgrains are issued under Public Distribution System (PDS).

Foodgrains (wheat and rice) are issued to State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations for distribution under PDS and other welfare schemes by Food Corporation of India (FCI) through a well defined procedure of joint sampling of the stock before issue. Only good quality foodgrains, free from insect infestation and conforming to the Standards of Food Safety and Standards Act/Rules (formerly PFA) are to be issued under PDS.

Only after satisfaction about quality and quantity, the stock is to be issued to State Governments/ UT Administrations alongwith joint sealed samples. A certificate duly signed by the representative of State Government/ UT Administration about quality and quantity of the stock is recorded by FCI in respect of the aforesaid foodgrains.

It is the responsibility of the concerned State Government/ UT Administration to ensure that during transportation and storage at different stages in the distribution chain, the foodgrains retain the required quality specifications.

The State Government, where the decentralized procurement is in operation, should ensure that the quality of foodgrains issued under TPDS and other welfare schemes meet the desired standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Regular inspection to check the quality of foodgrains is to be carried out by the officers of State Government and surprise checks are carried out by the officers of Quality Control Cell of the Ministry.

Whenever any complaint of issue/ distribution of poor quality foodgrains for PDS is received, it is investigated by the FCI/ State Governments and actions are taken by them against the delinquents.

This information was given by the Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V.Thomas in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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