PANAJI
The State government on Tuesday said that the concept of plastic rice does not exist, a clarification that followed in the wake of allegations of the distribution of plastic rice through the public distribution system (PDS).
In a late evening press briefing held at the Secretariat, Secretary of Civil Supplies Sanjit Rodrigues pointed out that confusion arose from miscommunication and misinformation, as the appearance of fortified rice may differ from regular rice.
“There is no concept of plastic rice. There is miscommunication, misunderstanding and misinformation. The appearance of this fortified rice may look different to other varieties of rice,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of public awareness stating that the government is actively working to raise awareness among stakeholders and will also issue advertisement campaigns for the people to help identify this particular type of rice.
The Central government introduced the scheme of distribution of fortified rice through Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) schemes to address anemia and micro-nutrient deficiency in the country.
Accordingly, it was introduced in Goa in 2021-22 as in the first phase, the fortified rice was distributed through Anganwadi workers followed by PDS in March 2023.
The central government has also stressed that the rice is safe for consumption and that the report will be made public.
“The Food Corporation of India procures fortified rice. It is rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B-12,” Rodrigues added in a bid to allay apprehensions surrounding the ‘plastic rice.’
According to reports from the Government of India, similar misunderstandings occurred in other States due to a lack of knowledge, but, the officer reiterated, there is no plastic rice being circulated.
In Goa, around 3,000 tons of food grains are distributed to ration card holders through 451 Fair Price Shops every month.
Earlier, Civil Supplies Minister Ravi Naik put the onus on the inspectors to check for rice quality while warning that any officer found not doing their duty diligently will be suspended with immediate effect.
