Transforming FCI: Union Minister Piyush Goyal calls for swift actions

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, emphasized the need to expedite the transformation of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in order to continue to support the people, the poor, and the farmers of the country while addressing the 59th Foundation Day of FCI. 

He directed the Secretary of Department of Food and Public Distribution to monitor the transformation of FCI and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) weekly and to update him on the status every fortnightly. He also stated that strict action will be taken against any officers who do not cooperate with or delay the transformation process.

While discussing ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in FCI, Goyal stated that it's a wake-up call for the organization and promised that anyone found involved in corrupt practices will be held accountable and that FCI will follow the principle of zero tolerance for corruption. He also directed the Secretary to establish a mechanism for rewarding whistleblowers, and called on all officers and staff of FCI to report any incidents of corruption.

Goyal praised FCI for smoothly carrying out the world's largest food supply chain system, particularly during the pandemic, to ensure the seamless supply of food grains under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” (PMGKAY). He emphasized that despite the pandemic, no one went hungry in the country. He also said that India has set a global example in food security, economic scenario, controlling inflation and other areas.

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. Hon’ble Minister of State, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Secretary DFPD, Shri Sanjeev Chopra, and CMD FCI, Shri Ashok KK Meena also attended the event virtually and emphasized the need to eliminate corruption and provide efficient and transparent service to the people.