FCI Employees Association Initiative Receives Parliamentary Support: MP John Brittas Takes Up CAP Storage Issue with Union Food Minister

Acting on a representation submitted by the FCI Employees Association (CITU), Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shri John Brittas has taken up with the Hon'ble Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution the crucial issues relating to continued dependence on CAP/Open storage of food grains and the urgent need for scientific storage infrastructure in the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

 

The intervention follows a detailed memorandum submitted by the FCI Employees Association (CITU), highlighting the serious risks associated with storing food grains in CAP/Open storage facilities, particularly in regions experiencing heavy rainfall and high humidity. The Association had urged immediate policy intervention to prevent deterioration and wastage of valuable food grain stocks.

  

In its representation, the Association pointed out that the acute shortage of covered storage space and increased procurement have compelled FCI to resort to CAP storage across the country. However, climatic conditions in several states, especially Kerala, make open storage highly unsuitable and vulnerable to damage during prolonged monsoon seasons.

 

The memorandum also referred to observations made by statutory audit agencies, including the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), regarding substantial losses caused by spoilage of food grains stored in open facilities. It further highlighted that the shrinking workforce in FCI has adversely affected regular maintenance, fumigation, and preservation activities.

The FCI Employees Association (CITU) urged the Government to discontinue further construction and renovation of CAP/plinth storage facilities and instead focus on establishing modern scientific storage systems such as steel silos, mechanized warehouses, and climate-controlled storage facilities.

 

Another significant demand raised by the Association was the free or subsidized distribution of surplus food grains to economically weaker sections through enhanced allocation to consumer states. The representation recalled the observations of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India advocating the distribution of excess food grains to the poor rather than allowing them to deteriorate in storage.

Responding positively to the concerns raised by the Association, Shri John Brittas MP has intervened with the Hon'ble Union Food Minister and sought appropriate action on the issues highlighted in the memorandum.

The FCI Employees Association (CITU) has welcomed the timely intervention of Shri John Brittas and expressed confidence that the Government will take necessary steps to strengthen India's food security system through scientific storage practices while ensuring that surplus food grains reach the needy sections of society.

The Association reiterated that it will continue its efforts to safeguard the interests of employees, protect the Food Corporation of India, and uphold the larger objective of national food security.

FCI EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION DEMANDS TO END CAP/PLINT STORAGES - BUILD SILOS & SCIENTIFIC WAREHOUSES

Dear comrades, It has come to our notice that certain Regional Offices are proceeding with the implementation of Headquarters’ instructions regarding the utilization of CAP/Open Storage for stocking food grains.

The FCI Employees Association is deeply disappointed by such moves, considering the serious risks associated with CAP/Open Storage, including deterioration of food grains, operational difficulties, and avoidable financial losses. The concerns regarding CAP storage are well documented, and instances of substantial damage to food grains stored in open conditions have been reported in the past.

Recognizing the gravity of the issue, we have discussed the matter with various senior authorities and eminent parliamentarians. During these discussions, we strongly proposed that the surplus food grain stocks be distributed free of cost to eligible beneficiaries in consuming regions. Such a measure would not only strengthen food security but also significantly reduce the need for CAP/Open Storage.

In this regard, a detailed proposal has been submitted to Shri John Brittas, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, seeking his intervention with the Government of India and other competent authorities. A copy of the proposal is attached herewith for information.

We are hopeful that the Hon’ble Member of Parliament will take up the matter at the appropriate level and secure a positive intervention from the competent authorities in the larger public interest.

Issued by:

FCI Employees Association (CITU)

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