In Wednesday’s session of the Goa Legislative Assembly session, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai raised an alarming concern about maggot-infested rice being supplied to fair price shops (FPS) under the Public Distribution System (PDS). He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, directing his queries to the Goa Agriculture Minister.
Responding to the issue, Civil Supplies Minister Ravi Naik expressed unawareness, suggesting it could be an older incident. Nevertheless, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Assembly of a comprehensive inquiry to unearth the truth behind the infested rice supply.
Civil Supplies Minister Ravi Naik in Assembly Session on July 25 had announced that an inquiry into the matter is currently underway, and strict action will be taken against those responsible after the inquiry report is received.
Amidst this controversy, O Heraldo, at the forefront of investigating the maggot-filled rice cases, conducted its own inquiry into the situation. Shockingly, their findings confirmed the persistent presence of maggot-infested rice in the fair price shops supplied by the Civil Supplies Department. Several fair-price shop owners reported receiving infested rice during June and July, and despite attempts to replace the affected batches, the department continued to supply the same low-quality rice.
The gravity of the situation has prompted concerns about the health and well-being of the people of Goa, raising questions about the efficiency of the Public Distribution System. Ongoing monitoring by O Heraldo aims to shed light on the authorities’ actions and the steps taken to address this distressing issue.
As the inquiry unfolds, Goa residents and fair-price shop owners anxiously await the upcoming supply in August, hoping for cleaner and healthier rice to be distributed through the fair-price shops.
