MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The quality of foodgrains is assessed at the time of procurement as well as disbursement as per the quality specifications laid down by the Government. During procurement, the stock is accepted by Food Corporation of India (FCI) as per the uniform specifications. In UP, under decentralized procurement scheme, the stock is initially purchased by the State Government and same is delivered to FCI in the depots where TA/AM (QC) analyse the stock before accepting the same. At the time of issue, ample opportunities are provided to the officials of the State Governments/UTs to inspect the stock prior to lifting from FCI godowns.
(c): The number of rice samples found Beyond Rejection Limit(BRL) in regional lab, FCI, Lucknow during the last three years are as under:-
Year Number of samples found BRL
2001-02 21
2002-03 15
2003-04 38
(d), (e), (f), & (g): Whenever samples are found BRL on analysis, the cases are referred by FCI to its Vigilance Branch for initiating disciplinary action against the defaulters, who had accepted such BRL stocks. 39 officers/officials have been found responsible for purchase of BRL stocks and disciplinary action has been approved against them and the cases stand referred to Vigilance Branch of FCI. The details of the officers/officials are as under:-
1. Assistant Manager (QC) 25
2. Assistant Manager (PP) 1
3. Technical Assistant-I 8
4. Technical Assistant-II 2
5. Assistant Grade-I (PP) 1
6. Assistant Grade-II (PP) 2
Total 39
