2 suspended for wheat shortage in Amritsar; vigilance probe marked

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 8

Food and Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu has ordered strict action against the officials responsible for the shortage of wheat stocks at Jandiala Guru centre in Amritsar. The Assistant Food Supply Officer (AFSO) and DFSO concerned have been placed under suspension and the case has been referred to Vigilance Department.

Ashu said the Department of Food and Supplies immediately deputed the Central Vigilance Committee (CVC) from head office to undertake a special verification of Pungrain wheat stocks at Jandiala Guru, after it came to notice that the Inspector concerned, Jasdev Singh, was absconding.

He said as per the preliminary report, 1,84,344 bags pertaining to crop year 2018-19, 2020-21 & 2021-22 had been found to be short, the cost of which is approximately Rs 20 crore. The minister said he has taken a serious note of the same and ordered to initiate Departmental proceedings for major penalty against all the staff responsible for the shortage.

CVC fears bogus purchase, embezzlement

• The Central Vigilance Committee (CVC), in its preliminary report, has apprehended bogus purchase of wheat and embezzlement of grain distributed under the National Food Security Act
• CVC has been directed to undertake an inquiry and refer the case to the Vigilance Department for further investigation
• Food & Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu said the government would not tolerate any corruption and strict action would be taken against any officer/staff found responsible

DFSO Amarinder Singh and AFSO Arshdeep Singh at Jandiala Guru have been placed under suspension and departmental proceedings have been ordered. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against Raj Rishi Mehra, District Food and Supply Controller (DFSC), Amritsar, and his predecessor Jasjit Kaur for lapse and chargesheets are to be issued to both the officers.

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