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 a wake-up call for the organization and assured that anyone involved in corrupt practices will be punished. Neither will 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 can continue 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. ,Also read: Bad news for borrowers! SBI hikes lending rates by up to 10 bps– Check new rates here,
He said strict action should be taken against officials who do not cooperate or delay the conversion process, according to a statement by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Goyal directed the Secretary to institutionalize a mechanism wherein whistle-blowers can be rewarded. ,Also read: This company launched the world’s first tractor powered by cow dung; Here’s how it works and other details,
He asked all officers and employees of FCI to report any incident of corruption. Goyal praised the way FCI has implemented the world’s largest food supply chain system to ensure uninterrupted supply of food grains, especially under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” (PMGKAY) 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 food security, strengthening economic outlook, controlling inflation and other areas. Goyal mentioned that the rice procurement figures for the year are good and he is hopeful of good wheat procurement in the coming season as well.
Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti participating virtually in the event highlighted the efforts made by FCI during the pandemic by ensuring adequate supply of food grains under Prime Minister’s visionary scheme of PMGKAY to every part of the country, especially to the weaker sections of the society. Appreciated the remarkable work done. 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.