(a) whether Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms have been issued to ensure that the Government agencies purchase only good quality foodgrains;
(b) if so, the details of the norms issued thereof;
(c) whether several complaints of violation of the said norms and procurement of
substandard quality foodgrains have been received by the Government;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the remedial action taken thereon; and
(e) the action taken against officers held responsible for such violation of norms?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): The details of these norms in respect of wheat and rice for Rabi Marketing Season
2009-10 and Kharif Marketing Season 2009-10 are given in Annexures-I and II respectively.
(c),(d)&(e): No, Madam. Procurement agencies are expected to strictly adhere to
specifications during procurement of foodgrains. If during inspection by various authorities,
some quantities of foodgrains are found not conforming to specifications prescribed,
immediate remedial measures such as replacement of stocks etc. are taken. The officials
found responsible for procurement of foodgrains not conforming to specifications are
withdrawn from the procurement and disciplinary action is taken against them.