MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly to take action against those responsible to supply spoiled foodgrains to fair-price shops in South Goa.
“We have constituted a committee to look into the allegations of the infested foodgrains. Once we get the report action will be taken on whoever is guilty,” Sawant said.
The CM was responding to a query on spoiled foodgrains raised jointly by Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.
Earlier, Civil Supplies Minister Ravi Naik informed the House that inquiry has been instituted and assured to take action against those responsible for the negligence.
“We soon replaced the spoiled rice and even set up an inquiry into the matter,” Naik said.
The Civil Supplies Minister in a written reply to the starred question informed that the infested foodgrains were found in Salcete and Mormugao godowns as well as 12 fair price shops (FPS) in Salcete and one FPS each in Mormugao and Sanguem taluka.
“The infested foodgrain bags were taken back from the FPSs and also the infested stock present in the taluka civil supplies godown of Salcete and Mormugao was then treated with Prophylactic (spraying) and curative (fumigation) treatment. After treating it, the stock was issued to the FPSs,” Naik said.
Unhappy with the response, Sardesai said that the incident happened on May 10 and almost two months have passed but the government has taken no action.
“Who are you protecting? Give us assurance that you will suspend the person who is involved before the session gets over. If action is not happening, then you are involved. You are giving spoiled rice to the poor,” Sardesai said.
