After hue and cry by the Opposition parties and civil society organisations for the delay in setting up of a Food Commission, the State Government has initiated process for appointment of the commission’s Chairman.
The first meeting of the Search Committee headed by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi was held at the State Secretariat on Thursday to shortlist the candidates’ names.
As many as 27 persons, including incumbent and retired bureaucrats, have applied for the post of Chairman.
According to sources, former Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati, retired IAS officer Rangalal Jamuda, Ashok Thripathy and Girija Shankar Patnaik are among the front runners for the Chairman’s post. Pati is reportedly ahead in the race for the coveted post.
However, the State Government would take a final call for the post shortly.
Similarly, as many as 77 persons have applied for membership of the commission, sources said. Meanwhile, sources in the Food and Civil Supplies Department said the Food Commission would be operational within a month.