Instructions Issued for Laboratory Testing of Substandard Rice

Mumbai – Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has directed officials to conduct laboratory tests on rice (BRL) found to be of substandard quality during inspections by the Central Inspection Team and to take appropriate action regarding its use.

Minister Bhujbal was speaking during a review meeting of the Food and Civil Supplies Department held at Mantralaya. Principal Secretary Vinita Ved Singhal and Rationing Controller Sudhakar Telang were also present.

Minister Bhujbal stated that the concerned rice millers were expected to replace the substandard rice. However, since they failed to fulfill this responsibility, the state government had proposed to blacklist such millers. He further instructed the department to submit necessary information to the Mumbai High Court’s Nagpur Bench, where petitions have been filed by the rice millers against this action.

As part of the central team’s routine inspection, state government warehouses, grain milling units, and fair price shops across nine districts in Pune and Nagpur divisions were inspected. During these inspections, a total of 231 samples (226 of rice and 5 of wheat) were sent for laboratory testing, officials informed during the meeting.

Minister Bhujbal also reviewed the demands of the department’s officer and employee unions. He gave instructions to address issues related to vacant posts, promotions, and restructured positions.