New Delhi: The transformation of Food Corporation of India (FCI) should be done on a fast-track mode so that the organization can continue to help the people, the poor and the farmers of the country. This was stated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry, while delivering the inaugural address at the 59th Foundation Day of FCI here recently.

In his speech, Goyal directed the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, to monitor the transformation of the FCI and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) every week and to update him on the status on a fortnightly basis. He said that strict action has to be taken against the officers who do not cooperate with or delay the transformation process.

Talking about the ongoing investigation against alleged cases of corruption in the FCI, Goyal said that it’s a wake-up call for the organization and assured that no one found involved in corrupt practices will be spared. He said that the FCI will follow the principle of Zero tolerance for corruption.

Goyal praised the way FCI carried out the world’s largest food supply chain system, especially during the pandemic to ensure seamless supply of foodgrains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). He said that despite Covid-19 pandemic, no one slept hungry in the country.

He said that India has set a global example in the areas of food security, strengthening economic scenario, controlling inflation and others. Goyal mentioned that the rice procurement figures for the year are good and he looked forward to a robust wheat procurement in the coming season as well.

Secretary DFPD, Sanjeev Chopra was also present at the event and directed CMD, FCI, Ashok KK Meena to ensure a system of eliminating corruption and providing an efficient and transparent service to the people. /BI/