PANAJI
The Goa Forward Party on Friday expressed serious concern and shock over the distribution of substandard rice to ration cardholders through fair-price shops (FPS) in the State.
Party’s general secretary Durgadas Kamat, at a press conference, cited various media reports that revealed alarming conditions in which rice has been distributed, infested with maggots, mites, and fungus.
“This gross negligence and lack of accountability on the part of the government in ensuring basic food security for vulnerable populations is appalling. The Civil Supplies Department’s failure to ensure that good quality rice is being distributed through FPS is a grave matter. Despite distressing incidents being exposed in April 2023, the authorities have turned a blind eye, allowing the distribution of substandard rice to continue even in May. Such disregard for the health and well-being of ration cardholders is unacceptable,” he lamented.
GFP has demanded that the government ought to prioritize the provision of high-quality rice through FPS, ensuring it is fit for consumption and free from contamination.
