PANAJI
An ongoing inquiry into the supply of maggot-infested rice in Benaulim and the entire Mormugao taluka has shockingly exposed a major lapse that resulted in the contamination of rice with maggots.
Government sources, speaking to The Goan, said the rice bags were stacked in the godowns for a significant period of time without proper maintenance and supervision.
This negligence allowed the infestation to take hold, leading to the distressing discovery of maggots within the stored rice.
“The ongoing inquiry will further disclose how and when these lapses occurred, when did the stock reach the godown, etc. As of now, lapse is confirmed,” the source said.
A preliminary investigation finding last month prompted a full-fledged inquiry to uncover the extent of the issue and hold responsible parties accountable. So far, Ramkrishna Salgaonkar, Inspector (CS) of Salcete Taluka; Santosh Muli, Sub-Inspector (CS) Godown-in-Charge Cortalim (S) Godown of Salcete; Sarita Morajkar Inspector (CS) Mormugao Taluka and Nandesh Govekar, LDC, Godown-in-incharge Cortalim (M) Godown, Mormugao are facing the inquiry.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation, the government has further collected data pertaining to the entry and exit of the stockpiled rice at the warehouses. “This information will play a crucial role in determining the timeline and identifying potential areas of mismanagement. We have also recorded statements from relevant individuals,” the source revealed.
If the final report ascertains lapse on the part of the four staff, they could face serious repercussions as per the provisions laid down in the CCS Rules. “It could be suspension or deduction of salary or anything depending on the gravity of the offence. Penalty will be imposed in accordance with the CCS Rules,” the source said while replying to a query on the type of punishment to the indicted staff.
The inquiry is also expected to recommend necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Civil Supplies Department has also ruled out possible interference in the inquiry amid apprehensions that these staff, currently under radar, could influence witnesses.
“There is no question of interference of any sort. We have already recorded statements and collected the data. Transferring these staff from their present posting will not serve any purpose at least at this juncture... The final inquiry report will reveal what action will they face,” the officer said replying to another query by The Goan.
Photos and videos of maggots, fungus and mites in rice sacks surfaced on social media, in early May, raising questions about the quality of rice supplied to the Fair Price Shops.
The department was quick to initiate a damage control exercise when Morajkar stated that she had communicated to the civil supplies director about the matter and requested FPSs not to offer bad quality rice to users but get the stock immediately replaced.
The department also had some ration cards suspended in February and hence, the FPS did not take much stock which may have led to excess rice stock in their godown, she had justified, adding this may have caused some rice stock to get spoilt.
