Banna Gupta uncovers irregularities in stock management across Jamshedpur
12-hour raid reveals discrepancies in grain storage and distribution system
JAMSHEDPUR – Jharkhand Health and Food Minister Banna Gupta conducted a surprise 12-hour inspection of government food godowns across Jamshedpur on Saturday.
The minister began his inspection at Sakchi, where he found no officials present.
At Pardih, approximately 2,300 bags of rice, 100 bags of wheat, and 800 bags of sugar were found to be spoiled.
The State Food godown in Burma Mines revealed discrepancies in stock:
– 24 quintals of lentils missing
– Over 3 quintals of sugar unaccounted for
– 269 extra bags of wheat discovered
The most significant irregularities were found at the godown in the Parsudih BDO office compound.
"We will not tolerate such negligence by officials. Action will be taken against those responsible," Gupta stated.
Key findings of the inspection:
– Lack of proper security arrangements at godowns
– Approximately 3,200 bags of grain meant for the poor had spoiled due to poor maintenance
– Significant discrepancies between stock registers and actual inventory
The minister emphasized that this mismanagement violates the Food Security Bill introduced by the Congress government.
This surprise raid has caused concern among those involved in the illegal trade of subsidized grains.
Gupta’s inspection highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring proper distribution of food to the poor and combating corruption in the public distribution system.
Local authorities, including SDO Parul Singh and police officials, were summoned to the Parsudih godown during the inspection.
The minister’s actions may lead to significant changes in the management of food storage and distribution in Jamshedpur and potentially across Jharkhand.
