New Delhi: Talking about the ongoing probe against alleged cases of corruption in the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that it is an alarm bell for the organization and assured that anyone involved in corrupt practices will be brought to book. Will not be spared. , He said that FCI would follow the principle of zero tolerance towards corruption.
The makeover of FCI should be done on a fast-track mode so that the organization continues to help the people, the poor and the farmers of the country. Goyal said this while delivering the inaugural address on the occasion of 59th Foundation Day of FCI here in New Delhi on Saturday.
In his speech, Goyal directed the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, to monitor the transformation of FCI and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) every week and apprise them of the situation on a fortnightly basis. According to a statement by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, he said that strict action should be taken against officials who do not cooperate or delay the conversion process.
Goyal directed the Secretary to institutionalize a mechanism wherein whistle-blowers can be rewarded. He asked all officers and employees of FCI to report any incident of corruption. Goyal praised the way FCI is running the world’s largest food supply chain system, especially under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” (PMGKAY) for ensuring uninterrupted supply of food grains during the pandemic.
He said that despite the Kovid epidemic, no one slept hungry in the country. He said that India has set a global example in the areas of food security, strengthening the economic scenario, controlling inflation etc. Goyal mentioned that the rice procurement figures have been good for the year and he is expecting a good wheat procurement in the coming season as well. Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, participating virtually in the event, appreciated the remarkable work done by FCI by ensuring adequate supply of food grains during the pandemic. In every part of the country under PM’s visionary scheme PMGKAY, especially for the weaker sections of the society.
Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution was also present at the event and directed FCI CMD Ashok KK Meena to eliminate corruption and ensure an efficient and transparent service delivery system to the people.