Question : CLOSURE OF FCI DEPOTS

(a) whether in view of the impracticability to run economically the three FCI Depots at Begusarai Town, Begusarai Road and State Warehousing Corporation Tilrath, the work was concentrated to the Begusarai Town Depot, closing the other two depots;

(b) if so, whether the local management has hired two depots from the State Warehousing Corporation viz. Tengra and Bishampur at a higher handling and rent charges;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any inquiry has been conducted in this regard; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

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): Yes, Sir.

(b): Two godowns from Bihar State Warehousing Corporation (BSWC) at Teghra and Bishanpur (Begusarai) have been hired on the rates of storage charges as are payable to other godowns of BSWCs.

(c): Handling charges with regard to Begusarai Town depot have remained the same as those prior to closure of the two depots, i.e. Rs. 145.25 per 10 MT.

Previously the godown rent for Begusarai Town was Rs. 0.50 paise per sq.ft. per month, which was negotiated and raised to Rs. 0.80 paise per sq. ft. per month on request from the godown owner. Hiring charges for the BSWC godowns are Rs. 1.79 per bag per month as per Government of India and Food Corporation of India (FCI) Headquarters instructions.

(d): No, Sir.

(e): Does not arise