Lokayukta Forms Panel to Reform Karnataka PDS After Irregularities Found

The Karnataka Lokayukta has recently formed a high-level committee to recommend systemic reforms in the state's Public Distribution System (PDS) following a suo motu inquiry that revealed widespread irregularities. The probe exposed significant lapses at wholesale depots of the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (KFCSCL) and godowns of the Taluk Agricultural Produce Co-operative Marketing Society (TAPCMS) across the state.

The inspections, which were conducted as part of the Lokayukta's inquiry, uncovered multiple instances of alleged irregularities and administrative lapses in the storage and distribution of essential commodities.

Following the examination of these inspection reports, the Lokayukta summoned several senior officials to answer for the findings. Those summoned included the principal secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, the department’s commissioner, and the managing director and general manager of KFCSCL.

During the hearings, the proceedings focused on the alleged misuse of essential commodities distributed under the PDS. The inquiry also looked into administrative failures, financial losses caused to the state exchequer, and the denial of vital benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

To address these deep-rooted issues, the Lokayukta established the high-level committee to recommend long-term reforms, identify preventive measures, and suggest disciplinary action where required.

The committee is headed by Harsha Gupta, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR).

Other key members of the panel include Manish Kharbikar, the Additional Director General of Police for the Karnataka Lokayukta, and Kanagavalli, the Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.

The panel has been directed to complete its investigation and submit its final report by August 20.