Steps taken to check pilferage at ration depots: Food Commission member

Vijay Dutt, member of the State Food Commission, today said, “To ensure compliance with the provisions of the National Food Security Act and bring transparency in the quality and quantity of wheat distributed at government ration depots, the State Food Commission will continue to conduct surprise inspections.”

During inspection at a ration depot in Hoshiarpur district, he said strict action would be taken against anyone found wanting.

He also inspected ration depots located at Tehsilpura, Nagina Avenue on Majitha Road, Ganda Singh Colony and Indira Colony. He checked the moisture content of the wheat using a digital moisture meter, which was found to be within the prescribed standards. Officials from the Food Supply Department were present during the inspections.

Dutt said the government runs a wheat distribution scheme from April to June. The use of government-provided biometric machines and electronic weighing scales at each depot had made the distribution process more transparent, he said.

He appealed to all beneficiaries who have not yet collected their three-month wheat quota to visit their nearest ration depot and complete their eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer).

Additionally, he directed that the Punjab State Food Commission helpline number 9876764545 be clearly displayed at all ration depots.