MP Chowdhary Ramzan seeks review of foodgrain storage infrastructure

New Delhi, Jan 9: Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan attended a review meeting on foodgrain storage in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, focusing on existing infrastructure and future strategy.

A statement here said that the meeting was attended by representatives of the Food Corporation of India, the Central Warehousing Corporation, and the Principal Secretary of the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department of the UT administration.

At the outset, the MP was accorded a warm welcome and felicitated by senior officials of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration.

Discussions centred on the development and supply position of essential commodities in the islands, taking into account the region’s unique geographical and logistical challenges. Deliberations were held on strengthening existing storage facilities, enhancing future capacity, and ensuring the uninterrupted movement and availability of foodgrains across the islands.

During the interaction, the MP raised specific concerns regarding the rental expenditure incurred on private storage facilities. He sought detailed information on rent payments, outstanding dues and their overall financial implications, stressing the need for greater transparency, cost efficiency and the timely creation of permanent, scientific storage infrastructure to reduce dependence on private godowns.

The meeting also underscored the importance of strict quality control and regular inspections carried out by FCI through dedicated quality control teams to ensure that foodgrains supplied to the islands meet prescribed standards and remain safe for public consumption.