Irked with repeated charges of corruption from number of counters in paddy purchase, Food Department Minister Saryu Roy has written to department Secretary for thorough investigation of charges made by a senior FCI official earlier this month.
Roy, who also holds Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs portfolio with him, has asked the Secretary to order concerned district officials to come prepared with detailed information about various aspects of paddy purchase in next meeting with district supply officials scheduled on May 17.
“Food Corporation of India (FCI) Regional General Manager Amit Bhushan has slapped charges of corruption on State government in paddy purchase process. He has, in a press conference on May 4, accused the government of helping millers-traders making crores of inappropriate money in paddy purchase. The charges, which have been repeatedly made during previous years also, and have found place in Comptroller General’s audit too, are grave in nature and it is important now to have a thorough investigation of entire matter,” said Roy in his letter.
Notably, Bhushan had accused State government of not taking any action against those millers-traders making unnecessary delay in disposal of paddy from procurement centre, which caused low paddy purchase on government-established procurement centres.
Roy has also directed the Secretary to get proof of charges made by Bhushan through FCI Chairman cum Managing Director. Roy has also asked to ensure whether charges made by Bhushan was official version of FCI and that he was asked to make such charges officially.