DM Takes Action On Irregularities Found in Gular Valley Food Storage, SMO Suspended

Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal conducted a surprise inspection of the Gular Valley food storage facility, uncovering severe irregularities. Several quintals of grain samples failed the mix indicator method test. Additionally, discrepancies were found in stock registers, poor maintenance was observed, and negligence in food storage was exposed. Following these findings, DM Bansal ordered the suspension of Senior Marketing Officer (SMO) Vishnu Prasad Trivedi and issued an adverse entry against Assistant Marketing Officer (ARO) Ajay Rawat. The DM appointed the Chief Development Officer as the inquiry officer and directed disciplinary action under the Uttaranchal Government Servants Rules, 2003, against those responsible.

SMO Vishnu Prasad Trivedi was suspended for irregularities in procurement, storage, quality control, and distribution of food grains. ARO Ajay Rawat was accused of distributing food grains without proper quality checks. The food stored at the Nakaraunda depot is supplied to Garhwal region’s government ration shops, Anganwadi centers, and mid-day meal programs in schools. Given the severe quality issues, the DM has decided to take strict action.

Key Issues Found During Inspection

• Inadequate Storage Conditions: No proper racks or rat traps to protect grains from moisture and pests.
• Weight Discrepancies: Wheat sacks weighed 43 kg, and rice sacks 47 kg, instead of the standard 50.5 kg.
• Stock Register Manipulations: Found incomplete, unsigned, and inconsistent.
• Missing Stack Cards: Either absent or lacked necessary details.

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The First In, First Out (FIFO) rule, mandatory for food storage, was not followed. Neither proper records were maintained nor was the older stock distributed first. Of 61 rice samples tested, 26 failed and were declared unfit for consumption, violating FCI’s SOP quality standards.

DM Bansal emphasized that negligence in food storage and quality will not be tolerated. Regular inspections will be conducted to prevent future irregularities, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.