Cabinet panel calls for stern action against PDS rice smugglers

Vijayawada:A three-member cabinet sub-committee on PDS smuggling has called for stern action against those involved in illegal transportation of rice meant for the state’s ration system.

The sub committee comprising ministers of civil supplies, agriculture and health Nadendla Manohar, K Atchannaidu and Satyakumar Yadav held a meeting on illegal transport of PDS rice and other activities linked to the Kakinada Port on Monday.

The director general of vigilance and enforcement, the IG law and order, the MD of civil supplies corporation were present.

The cabinet panel called for strengthening the security at the port. It proposed that a chief security officer be appointed there. Illegal transport of PDS rice should be considered as an organised crime. Stern action should be initiated against such individuals and gangs. A high vigil must be maintained at the port and in the surrounding areas, the panel recommended.

The panel called for action against Stella, the ship involved in the illegal export of PDS rice at the Kakinada Anchorage Port. It called for an inquiry into the presence of Sartek machines in five warehouses at Kakinada port and action against those responsible for setting these up.