No food itmes to be lifted without examination

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 30: The district controller food and supplies Mr Asim Basu has decided and informed the modified ration dealers not to lift the food items from essential commodities supply corporation (ECSC) without examination. Mr Asim Basu said: “Our inspector will examine the food items first like suji and flour in the godown of ECSC, if the inspector thinks they it is fit for consumption, then we will decide to ask the dealers to lift the materials for distribution." The ECSC has bought new stock of some materials recently and our inspector will examine the quality, date of expiry and manufacturing. According to him all old stocks of suji and flour, which were identified as ‘unfit for human consummation’, are rotting in the godown of dealers and even the ECSC. It may be noted that the district magistrate Mr CR Das had instructed the district food and supplies department to ‘hold back’ stock of non PDS items like flour and suji which are allegedly identified as unfit for human consumption. In order to avoid fresh public outrage on ration issue such decision was taken after receiving complaints from the public and as well as ration dealers. The district controller food and supplies suspended three more modified ration dealers in Ratua and Harishchandrapur block areas after investigation based on the complaints from the local people. A total of 28 modified ration dealers have been suspended till date due to public outrage in Malda. “We are in the process to start investigation against more than 200 ration dealers on merit. Everyday we are receiving complaints against the dealers,” said Asim Basu, Malda district controller food and supplies. It was reported that one M R dealer was heckled at Laxmighaat in English Bazaar. The DCFS said: “I do not have the information on the issue."