PANJIM: The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will now take up rodent control measures in all its Taluka godowns by spending Rs 9.24 lakh after complaints of maggot-infested rice was supplied to the fair prices shops
The department has floated tender for providing curative, prophylactic treatment and rodent control measures in all the godowns situated in 11 Talukas where foodgrains supplied by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is stored for distribution to fair price shops in the respective talukas. The last date for submission of e-tenders is August 28.
The incidents of maggot-infested rice found in some of the fair price shops in Salcete, Mormugao and Sanguem taluka reported by O Heraldo echoed in the recently concluded Legislative Assembly with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raising concern and demanding action against the officers and suppliers, involved in supply of infested rice to the consumers.
Civil Supplies Minister Ravi Naik had stated that the government had already instituted an inquiry and that strict action will be initiated against those found guilty for the supply of infested rice.
The infested foodgrains were found in 12 fair price ships in Salcete, one FPS in Mormugao and one FPS in Sanguem Taluka in May-June this year.
The infested bags were later taken back from FPS and also the infested stock present in Taluka Civil Supplies Godown of Salcete and Mormugao was then treated with Prophylactic (Spraying) and Curative (Fumigation) treatment. After carrying out Prophylactic (Spraying) and Curative (Fumigation) treatment the stock was again distributed to FPS, the Minister had said.
