PANJIM: The series of reports about maggot-infested rice at fair price shops published by O Heraldo became a focal point in the monsoon session of the Goa State Assembly.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raised concerns and demanded action against officers and suppliers allegedly involved in the supply of infested rice to consumers.
In response, Civil Supplies Minister Ravi Naik suggested that the incident might be an old one, noting that the government had previously replaced infested rice bags discovered at some fair price shops in Salcete, Sanguem, and Mormugao talukas, as reported back in May.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Members of the Assembly that the government would conduct a thorough verification to determine the veracity of the claims surrounding the supply of infested rice to fair price shops. The controversy gained momentum after O Heraldo conducted its own inquiry, confirming the persistent presence of maggot-infested rice in fair price shops supplied by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
Despite efforts to replace the infested rice bags, fair price shop owners reported receiving the same substandard rice from the department.
