Report

During a five-day inspection in Dharwad district, the Karnataka State Food Safety Commission has uncovered alarming irregularities in the Public Distribution System (PDS). The commission has urged the district administration to take strict action against violators and ensure accountability at all levels.

Fair Price Shops Cheat Beneficiaries

Commission Chairman Dr. R. Krishna revealed that several fair-price shops have duped ration cardholders by demanding ₹20 before providing provisions. These shops only recorded beneficiaries’ thumb impressions after collecting the money—a clear violation of PDS norms. The commission has recommended cancelling the licenses of such shops and initiating legal action against middlemen involved in black-market sales of Anna Bhagya scheme rice.

Warehouses Lack Accountability

Dr. Krishna described the condition of warehouses managed by the Karnataka State Food Corporation as “pathetic.” He reported that staff failed to maintain records of grain receipts and dispatches. The warehouses had no functional weighing systems and lacked random checks to verify if 50-kg bags contained the right quantity of grain. He also flagged complaints of grain theft during transit. The commission has ordered a departmental inquiry and called for strict disciplinary action against those responsible for the lapses.

Food in Government Institutions Falls Short

The commission expressed serious concerns over the quality and quantity of food served in government hostels and hospitals. Despite an allocation of ₹118 per patient per day, the food in Dharwad hospitals remains inadequate and nutritionally poor. Dr. Krishna noted that other districts manage to provide sufficient meals for just ₹90 per day. He has instructed the district administration to assess and correct this discrepancy immediately.

Long Hospital Queues Prompt Call for Better Equipment

During his visit to the District Hospital, Dr. Krishna observed long queues for X-rays and CT scans. He directed the District Health Officer to seek additional funds to install more diagnostic equipment. Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. confirmed that they have approached companies for CSR support and received positive responses. Dr. Krishna also addressed food safety issues among street vendors. He instructed food inspectors to take strict action against vendors using artificial colours and harmful additives like “tasting powder,” particularly in popular items like egg rice. He warned that such substances pose serious health risks, including cancer. He urged inspectors to conduct surprise checks and seal outlets found serving adulterated food.

This sweeping inspection by the Food Safety Commission has shed light on systemic failures affecting the safety, fairness, and quality of food in Dharwad. The ball is now in the district administration’s court to restore order and rebuild public trust.

Source: The Hindu