Srinagar:  Government Wednesday said that it has never procured sub-standard rations from Food Corporation of India. Replying to a question raised by BJP legislator Shakti Raj Parihar, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Chowdary Zulifkar Ali said that CAPD is procuring rations from FCI strictly according to the standing guidelines and specifications notified by Ministry of Consumer Affairs,  Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.

     “The State Government has never procured any sub-standard food grains from FCI.” The Minister according to CNS however admitted that while lifting 2011 figures, 7.56 lac metric tons annually from FCI, there may be some ‘negligible’ poor quantity grains lifted during the process and as and when such complaints are received, the inspection committees which are in position in the Department as well as at FCI stores swung into action and such food grains are returned to FCI.

     The Minister in response to a question made it clear that it is the Education Department that directly lifts food grains of Mid Day Meal schools. “Quality food grains is being supplied to the schools for Mid Day Meals if purchased from CA&PD department,” the Minister added. (CNS)