Popularise fortified rice scheme, House panel tells Centre

Even as civil society organisations are raising concerns over fortified rice, the Standing committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution headed by DMK MP Kanimozhi has recommended the Centre to ensure the meticulous implementation of the scheme of distribution of fortified rice across the country, with particular emphasis on States where rice is a staple food. The panel hoped that such a step will contribute to eradicate malnutrition, improving the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

A report of the panel, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday (March 12, 2025), observed that there are differences between the revised estimates and actual expenditure under the capital section of the Budget during 2024-25 and recommended the Ministry to adopt a more accurate and informed approach while preparing future budget estimates. It asked the Union Food Ministry to manage and monitor funds allocated for food subsidy carefully to ensure reach of free food grains to the intended beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act with minimum wastage.

It expressed concern that the Food Corporation of India has not achieved its physical as well as financial targets set for setting up of godowns for storage during the last three years. It recommended the Centre to formulate an implementation strategy to achieve the targets and solve these issues effectively and in a timely manner.

The committee, in another report, called for an immediate action to fill vacancies in consumer commissions at the State and district levels, addressing staffing gaps to improve the functioning of the Strengthening of Consumer Commissions (SCC) Scheme.

This article has been republished from The Hindu.