New Delhi. In view of recent media reports about improper handling and damage to wheat stocks at some of the FCI godowns, Government of India in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution got inspected storage conditions at Hapur, Orai and Harduaganj depots. The inspection team of Senior Officers of the Department of Food and Public Distribution inspected the three depots from 14th to 17th July, 2010 and have submitted its report to the Government. 

The team has observed spoilage of wheat stocks at these depots and serious dereliction of duty by concerned FCI Officers. The approximate quantity of grain damage is 30 tones at Hapur, 15 tones at Orai and over 300 tones at Harduaganj costing nearly Rs. 50 lakhs. 

The Government has taken cognizance of this Report and instructed Chairman FCI to take immediate penal action against the concerned officers as well as take corrective measures for improving storage conditions at these three depots and also at other FCI depots throughout the country. 

Government has also directed that action be taken against those FCI Officers who had willfully submitted a wrong report regarding damage to the wheat stocks at Orai and Harduaganj depots. FCI has suspended the Area Manager, Depot Manager and the Manager (QC) of these depots and also sought an explanation from ED(North) and GM (UP) in this regard. Instructions have been issued to all General Managers to do spot inspection of wheat and rice stocks in their jurisdiction.